Ribs, music draw crowds to Ribfest in support of causes
Over nearly three decades, Naperville's Ribfest has drawn millions to Knoch Park, each with their own reason for being there.
They come for the ribs, of course. With a dozen award-winning ribbers, barbecue lovers are sure to find a taste that satisfies their cravings.
And they come for the music. Ribfest offers two music stages - one with big-name touring acts, one with regional performers - as well as an area with local performers.
Last year, a traveler from overseas included Knoch Park on his itinerary just so he could catch a performance by a musician he liked. It was on the festival grounds that he learned the Exchange Club of Naperville organizes Ribfest to raise money to end child abuse and domestic violence. The traveler was so moved, he made a donation and returned the next day to volunteer at the fest.
Whatever brings people to Ribfest, running Friday to Monday, July 1 to 4, it's the cause that matters to Exchange Club members.
"Our goal is always to make as much money as we possibly can, because the more we make at Ribfest, the more we can help the community," Exchange Club of Naperville member Ray Kinney said.
Ribfest has raised more than $14.5 million over the years, including $600,000 last year. Kinney said when festival organizers were first starting Ribfest, they had no idea this much money would be raised.
"We've been very happy to have been able to do that," he said.
Ribfest chairwoman Jennifer Odin Cavalier said all money raised from Ribfest last year was donated to 62 agencies fighting to prevent child abuse and neglect. Organizations including Project HELP, the Edward Care Center and Families Helping Families offer safe shelter to families trying to get away from domestic violence, give therapy to children needing it, and teach teens to be on the right path to be parents.
Knowing that a lot of the agencies rely on the funds they receive from Ribfest, organizers start planning a year in advance to make sure they're creating a people-pleasing event. Planners look over what areas work and what they could "tweak" to get a little bit better so they "can hit the ground running" the next year, Odin Cavelier said.
One addition for this year is a community space called "Show Wagon," where local high school groups and small acts can perform in front of family and friends, Odin Cavalier said.
Ribfest, in its 29th year, started when a couple of members established the Exchange Club of Naperville and brainstormed ways to raise money. Ribfest began as a rib cook-off with one or two ribbers and family activities, but has evolved through constant planning and improving, Odin Cavalier said, as well as support from Exchange Club members and volunteers.
Ribfest needs 4,000 volunteers to help with getting people checked through the gates, selling tickets, working at the beverage tents and other things that come up. Some groups also help with trash pickup, and cleaning and emptying trash bins throughout the park.
Odin Cavalier says Ribfest still needs some volunteers for the Fourth of July and always could use more to help ensure the 150,000 to 200,000 anticipated fest-goers enjoy their time in Knoch Park.
"We laugh among ourselves, is it the ribs that draw people in? Is it the music? Carnival? Food area?" Odin Cavalier said.
Ribbers this year include Desperado's BBQ and Rib Co., Porky 'N' Beans BBQ Company, and Robinson's No. 1 Ribs.
Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice and Sister Hazel will entertain on the Navistar Main Stage; School of Rock, the Danhattens, Smokey & Friends and others are scheduled on the OneMain Financial Stage.
Ribfest has changed to include more family-friendly events to make it more profitable, Kinney said. A free family area features a petting zoo, inflatables, balloons and family-friendly performers. Kids also can see the Chicago White Sox road crew, magic shows and other special events.
For the Fourth of July, a fireworks display sponsored by Meijer will begin about 9:30 p.m.
"Lots and lots of choices people have; that's what sets us apart from other community events," Odin Cavalier says. "And the ribs, food. It's barbecue, it's summer."
If you go
What: 29th annual Naperville Ribfest, organized by the Exchange Club of Naperville
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Friday to Monday, July 1 to 4
Where: Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville
Why: Proceeds are donated to agencies that fight child abuse and domestic violence
Cost: Adults $12 between noon and 3 p.m.; free for children 11 and younger with an adult; general admission $20 or $25; front of stage ticket $50 or $60; VIP sponsors tent ticket $125 or $150, prices depend on the day
Info: ribfest.net