Party's over: Time for cleanup at Ribfest

The party's over.

After four days of food, music, games and more at Naperville's 29th annual Ribfest, crews were working Tuesday to return Knoch Park near downtown to its natural pre-festival state.

Dan DeBoo, president of the Naperville Exchange Club, said organizers are still compiling the numbers for how many people attended and how much money was raised for the charities the group supports.

But he said early indications are that this year's celebration, blessed with near-perfect weather, may set attendance records.

Ribfest has raised more than $14.5 million over the years for charities whose goals are to end child and domestic abuse, such as Project HELP, Families Helping Families and the Family Shelter Service. Last year, it raised $600,000.

“I think we probably have some very good numbers to report,” he said. “I don't know how many people complimented us on the weather. We have no control over that, but they were very excited that it was not 95 degrees and there was little humidity.”

The ribs, always a standout at the festival that's named for them, were not the only foods available this year. Organizers also experimented with offering some ethnic foods that went over well.

The musical entertainment was a big draw too, DeBoo said.

Sheryl Crow attracted a large crowd as did the band Three Doors Down and country singer Lee Brice.

Gov. Bruce Rauner also stopped by, addressing the crowd and congratulating the Exchange Club on the work it does for the community.