Ribfest Cancelled For The First Time In 33 Years

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Ribfest organizers announced Sunday night that for the first time in 33 years, the event will be cancelled due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. This was going to be Romeoville's first year hosting the festival that had been scheduled for July 2-5.

The Exchange Club of Naperville, organizers of the 33rd annual Ribfest, said in a release that they "have spent the past few months in constant careful situation analysis and discussion, in order to accurately and comprehensively assess the current climate for summer festivals."

In consideration of the current COVID-19 conditions and recent capacity restrictions mandated by the state, the club realized the health and safety of Ribfest attendees, volunteers and entertainers cannot be guaranteed for such a large-scale public event.

The Exchange Club of Naperville, along with the Village of Romeoville made the decision to cancel the festival this year.

"The charitable nature of this annual fundraising event allows us to provide vital funds to agencies that focus their activities on the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence in all forms," said Bob Black, chair of Ribfest. "As disappointed as we are not to have a 4th of July with Ribfest, after all this hard work, the greatest disappointment is the impact of not being able to raise funds through Ribfest this year for those deserving nonprofit organizations."

For the Village of Romeoville, this would have been a great opportunity to promote all the work they have been doing, but Mayor John Noak said the village officials "understand their decision, and we are in agreement with it."

"It has been a great experience working with them. They have partnered with many professional companies that understand what it takes to host a festival of this size," Noak said. "Also they have very qualified professionals working with them and I believe in their mission. The funds raised for this event support many organizations including several in Will County."

The Exchange Club of Naperville said it has been pleased to partner with the village in planning this first-ever Ribfest in Deer Crossing Park, and begin optimistic planning for 2021. Noak said they have a multi-year partnership with the club and are looking forward to 2021.

"Like many events throughout the country, this is something that has to happen at this moment," he said. "Working within the guidelines, we will continue to look at new innovative ways to create programming for our residents."

Information regarding refunds will be made available shortly. Ticket holders will also be given the option of making a tax-deductible donation toward the Exchange Club of Naperville’s mission to prevent child abuse and domestic violence.

Visit the website for Ribfest updates, donation opportunities and membership information.

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