Inaugural Naperville Salute postponed until next year

The inaugural Naperville Salute, a hometown-focused Fourth of July celebration, has been postponed until next summer because of concerns with COVID-19, organizers said Thursday.

The festival on July 3 and 4 was meant to replace the Naperville Exchange Club's Ribfest, which moved to Romeoville this year. The fate of that festival is expected to be announced in coming days.

A fireworks display still is tentatively being planned for July 4 at a still to be determined site in Naperville.

The new festival was to have included local entertainment, a “Taste of Naperville,” family fun area and fireworks on July 4 with a footprint to encompass Rotary Hill and the grounds of Naper Settlement near downtown Naperville and the Riverwalk.

“There is ongoing planning for a fireworks extravaganza on July 4 in partnership with the City of Naperville and Naperville Park District,” co-chairman Warren Dixon III said in a news release. “Tentatively speaking, the fireworks will feature a higher altitude display from a to-be-determined location to maximize residential viewing and encourage social distancing.”

Organizers say they expect the festival to take place next year with proceeds to benefit Naperville Responds for Veterans. For details, visit www.napervillesalute.com.