Naperville’s Annual Ribfest Canceled for 2023
The Exchange Club of Naperville, organizer of the popular Ribfest event, has announced the cancellation of this year’s festival. The decision was made after careful consideration of the ongoing challenges faced by the club and community. “The decision to cancel Ribfest was not made lightly,” said Exchange Club President Mary Jo Viero. “We know how much this event means to our community, and we share the disappointment of everyone who looks forward to it.” Ribfest has been a Naperville summer tradition for nearly four decades, attracting thousands of visitors and generating significant revenue for local businesses. However, rising costs and logistical issues have made it increasingly difficult for the club to host the event. “We have faced a number of challenges in recent years, including increased expenses for food, beverages, and entertainment,” Viero explained. “Additionally, our primary venue, Naper Settlement, has undergone significant renovations that reduced the available space for our event.” The Exchange Club of Naperville is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community. Ribfest has been a major source of funding for the club’s charitable initiatives, which include supporting children’s programs, senior citizens, and community health projects. “We are committed to finding alternative ways to raise the funds we need to continue our mission,” Viero said. “We are exploring options such as smaller events, fundraising campaigns, and corporate sponsorships.” The club encourages the community to support local businesses and organizations throughout the year, especially those that have relied on Ribfest for revenue. “We understand that this news may be disappointing, but we hope that our community will continue to support our mission and the work we do to make Naperville a better place for everyone,” Viero said. The Exchange Club of Naperville is actively planning for the return of Ribfest in 2024 and hopes to resume the festivities with stronger support and enthusiasm from the community.The Naperville Ribfest, an annual summer tradition, will not take place this year. Emy Trotz, president of the Exchange Club of Naperville, confirmed the cancellation without providing a reason or details on its potential return in future years.The Naperville Ribfest, an annual summer tradition, will not take place this year. Emy Trotz, president of the Exchange Club of Naperville, confirmed the cancellation without providing a reason or details on its potential return in future years. Ribfest, which was set to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year, has been canceled twice before due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The event, which started in 1988, has grown from a small community festival to a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from across the Chicago area and beyond. Ribfest, known for its slow-cooked ribs and other food offerings, also features live music from popular artists and other attractions. In recent years, the event has been held at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds in Wheaton after being forced to move from its previous location at Knoch Park in Naperville due to renovations that made it unsuitable for the event.
Ribfest Canceled Due to COVID-19 Concerns
The Exchange Club of Naperville has announced the cancellation of this year’s annual Ribfest festival due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The event, which typically draws large crowds and features live music, food vendors, and carnival attractions, was scheduled to take place in July. According to club president Sue Stiglich, the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with local health officials. The safety of attendees, volunteers, and vendors remains the club’s top priority. “We are disappointed to have to make this decision, but we believe it is the right one under the circumstances,” Stiglich said. “We hope to bring back Ribfest next year in all its glory.” The club plans to explore alternative ways to fulfill its mission of supporting local charities and community organizations. It will also consider the feasibility of hosting a smaller-scale event in the fall. Residents who had already purchased tickets for this year’s Ribfest will receive a full refund. The club encourages attendees to consider supporting local businesses and restaurants during this challenging time. The Exchange Club of Naperville is a non-profit organization that has been serving the community for over 100 years. Ribfest is the club’s largest fundraiser, generating funds for scholarships, after-school programs, and other community initiatives.
