Ribfest Canceled Again Due To Coronavirus

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Two months after announcing a "downsized" Ribfest for the event's first year in Romeoville, organizers at the Exchange Club of Naperville now say the 2021 fest is canceled. After months of "constant careful analysis of the situation," the Exchange Club of Naperville said Tuesday that with current coronavirus conditions and mandated capacity restrictions, it "cannot reasonably guarantee health, safety, and success for such a large-scale public event that occurs in the early portion of the summer festival schedule and is thus susceptible to the instability of COVID-related conditions like capacity restrictions."

Illinois is currently in the "Bridge Phase" of its reopening — the last phase before full reopening is set to begin on June 11. The 2021 Ribfest was scheduled to be held at Romeoville's Deer Crossing Park for the first time ever, with the event slated for July 1 to 4.

"This extremely difficult decision comes after much deliberation about any possibility of presenting the family fun, philanthropy, dining, and music throughout Independence Day Weekend that have become synonymous with 'Ribfest' for thousands of attendees every year," organizers said of the event, which would have been the 33rd annual Ribfest.

The Exchange Club donates proceeds from the event to agencies fighting child abuse and domestic violence.

"We are, of course, greatly disappointed that circumstances have left us unable to responsibly and in good conscience hold Ribfest this year, or put our funding or any future Ribfest at risk," the organization said.

Instead of ticket package purchases, supporters will have the option of making a donation to the Exchange Club of Naperville.

"The Exchange Club of Naperville continues to support its partners in ending child abuse in all forms, and its membership is open to anyone who would like to join the crusade to end child abuse," the group said.

Meanwhile, plans are moving ahead for other summer events, including a "to-go" version of Taste of Chicago as well as Lollapalooza. Musical acts for Lollapalooza 2021 were scheduled to be announced Wednesday.

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