Ribfest 2012: New Rib Vendors, Online Ticket Sales and July 3 Fireworks
Tickets for Ribfest are now being sold online and Ribfest, unlike previous years, will hold its fireworks display on July 3.
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Tickets for Ribfest are selling well and the hottest tickets so far are for the nights when Steve Miller and ZZ Top perform.
The festival is in its 25th year and the Exchange Club of Naperville has big hopes that it will raise a significant amount of money from the five-day music and food festival.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could give away a million dollars,” said Julie Lichter, Ribfest PR and marketing chair. Money raised at Ribfest is donated to organizations that work to end domestic violence and child abuse.
A few things at Ribfest are new and different this year, from new rib vendors to online ticket sales.
Unlike previous years, Ribfest tickets will not be sold at Jewel. Anyone planning to attend the festival will need to buy tickets online or at the gate, Lichter said.
Along with the online ticket sales, tickets are being sold for specific dates. Tickets range from $10 to $25. The most expensive ticket is $25 for the first night of Ribfest, June 29, which has Steve Miller headlining. The date specific tickets include entry to Ribfest, access to the musical performances and entry to the family area, Lichter said.
“We still think it is going to be a big crowd — and we aren’t opening until 4 p.m. that [first] day,” Lichter said. “We still believe it will be a really nice size crowd. We are trying to limit the number of people in the park, but to limit it so it is a comfortable experience.”
Even so, seating for the musical acts is still on a first-come, first-seated basis, she said. There will be big screens up and boosters for sound amplification.
For those who prefer to stay away from the packed crowd, there will be a big screen located at the south park on the festival grounds, Lichter said. All of the main stage acts will appear nightly on the big screen.
This year there will be 15 ribbers serving up barbecue, she said. New to Ribfest is Robinson’s Ribs, which has not participated before. Along with Robinson’s, new rib vendors Willingham’s and BBQ Masters will also be in attendance.
Ty Pennington will be at Ribfest grilling with three chefs from Sears, Lichter said. Along with the cooking presentations, Pennington will be giving away grills and his Ty Pennington outdoor furniture sets.
Putting on the festival is no small feat and this year there will be 4,000 volunteers who will be working to keep the festival running smoothly, Lichter said. Two groups are still being sought to volunteer at the event.
The Exchange Club of Naperville organizes and oversees Ribfest, and it is an all-volunteer event.
Over the last 25 years the service club has raised enough money to give away $12 million to 50 different organizations, she said. Last year about $600,000 was given away to local organizations.
The event always ends with fireworks. This year the fireworks are on July 3. Lichter wants to make sure that everyone is aware so nobody shows up a day late. The fireworks show is paid for by the city of Naperville, the Naperville Park District and the Exchange Club of Naperville and its sponsors, which all split the cost of putting on the fireworks show.
With everything coming together, Lichter had one more request: “Pray for sunshine.”
Ribfest will be held June 29 through July 3 at Knoch Park. Children 11 and under are free with a paying adult. Information on Ribfest and the musical acts can be found on the Ribfest website. Purchase tickets.
Find information on Ribfest parking and remote shuttles.
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In This article
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City of Naperville
400 S Eagle St, Naperville, IL -
Naperville Park District
320 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL -
Knoch Park
724 S West St, Naperville, IL
Kota
12:13 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
So, if I don't want to see the concert and all I want is a Rib dinner.... how much will it cost me? I've been confused on this since they started this high dollar ticket stuff. All I want is to have some ribs.
Mary Ann Lopez
12:42 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
Kota, the price of the ticket gets you admission to all of Ribfest, which includes the music - even if you don't want to see the band performing. There are days when the tickets are only $10. You may want to attend on those days. Those days are July 2 and 3.
Kota
1:30 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I don't like the way this is set up this year at all. I had friends coming in for RibFest on the 1st. JUST FOR THE RIBS. The ones that are only in it for the ribs are being dismissed because of the almighty dollar they can charge for a band. I've been going to ribfest since the year they opened in Naperville and this, IMO, is just wrong. Take the music rope it off... Make a temporary structure.. whatever.. just don't shut out the people that are going to RibFest for what it's actually all about.. RIBS!! Or possible change it all together and do away with the "RibFest" and call it MusicFest... you can still serve ribs.
Kota
3:28 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I volunteered for 3 years .. Been there.. done that. I know it's a fundraiser but it's got off track.
Kota
3:33 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
Let me just say, I do realize the work that goes into this, the time, the effort and all that goes with it. I do know it's the jaycees biggest fundraiser, but honestly.. this seems to have turned into more than that. Some people just can't afford to pay for a concert they don't want to see just to go in and get ribs. There has to be a better solution to this. And, thank you Jaycees for the work you do .. I'm not dissin on that at all. Just don't like the fact that I have to pay so much money just to get in and get a slab of ribs for my Mom.
Kota
3:49 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
UGH.. so sorry.. Naperville Exchange Club. Jaycee's is Last Fling... So sorry about the mix up there
Laurie
4:49 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I have a 12 year old who is going to want to go "hang out" with his friends at Ribfest, just like I did when I was a kid in Naperville. Is it not totally ridiculous that he would have to have to pay $25 to do so? If people want to pay extra for the concert, then set it up so that the people who just want ribs and family games, etc don't have to pay the same!
Kota
5:01 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I agree Laurie.. and that was my point exactly. I don't know what Tommy's issue is, but he sort of missed the point of the post in the first place.
What it has turned into is a non community event. I don't know how long you've lived here, but this use to be a nice local community event with local bands. Somewhere along the line it turned into something other than "community".
I'm not out to fight with you Tommy. I haven't attacked you in any way.
And no, this isn't about the price of ribs for my MOTHER (as you shouted).. this is about the price of admission just to get in to buy ribs for whomever.. .doesn't matter who it's for. They need, as Laurie stated above, to set up the concert(s) as a seperate venue so that people that want to see the concert can do so and people that just want in to get ribs and play games can also do so.
Laurie
6:39 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
I have lived here since 4th grade and my husbands' family is old Naperville! I remember the "good old days!".
Tracey
7:41 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Looking forward to Ribfest! Bought tickets to the VIP sponsor area for Steve Miller and Joe Walsh for $250 and includes rib dinner each night, all you can eat hotdogs and snacks plus unlimited beer/wine/pop from park open until closing time...
http://t.co/IFCexMYw
NeNe
11:40 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
This will be my first time attending the fest!! What is the price of the ribs?
Mary Ann Lopez
1:29 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
NeNe, that depends on how many you get and who you buy from. Different vendors do different deals. It really depends. Here is a link to the different vendors: http://ribfest.net/fun-and-food/food-events
Paul P
1:49 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thanks for sharing that link, Mary Ann. I was going to send a link but you beat me to it. I agree with Tracey as far as getting VIP sponsor tickets. I bought some last year on Craigslist for face value and less. I will never go back to general admission. To me it was worth it for the clean bathrooms with short-if any-lines for food, beverage and bathrooms. Here is where I got my tickets this year: http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tix/3101221846.html
Brian
8:13 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I remember Ribfrest being a local community event also. It has grown so large that I stay as far away from it as possible. I wish they had an evening for Naperville Residents only.
Kota
8:15 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Brian...now there's a great idea...although it will never happen. I had VIP tickeys last year and had to wait to get into the VIP area.
I know i'm not the only one that thinks this has gotten out of hand as far as pricing. I've checked into the other festivals in the area - a lot more reasonable in their pricing. It's just not a family event anymore..
On a side note, does anyone know if they still plan on doing fireworks?? I just wonder since it's so dry.
Mary Ann Lopez
11:12 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Yes, the fireworks in Naperville are still going to take place. Here is a story that talks about that. http://patch.com/A-v73j Also, note that the fireworks are taking place on July 3 this year, which is different than in past years.
Kota
11:38 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Why the 3rd? Make it easier because people don't have to work the following day?
Lucy
1:42 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012
It's just so wrong to have 4th of July fireworks on the 3rd. That isn't the 4th. Even if people work the next day, it's not like they end at one in the morning. Granted, getting out of Naperville when it's crowded is an absolute nightmare.
Dan
1:58 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
Kota, this is a fundraiser. The more money they raise, the more money they give away to the causes they are supporting. Why on God's green earth would they lower the prices, and raise less money, when they are selling out and having to turn people away?
Prices are set at what people are willing to pay for a product, service, or experience. That's the way the world turns.
Sharon G
10:47 am on Saturday, June 30, 2012
We have totally enjoyed the RibFest in past years; however, we will not be attending this year due to the cost of admission for 3 people who do not go for the bands, but for the ribs. Also it's unfortunate not being able to purchase tickets at Jewel. In lieu of the RibFest, we might go to the Eyes to the Sky festifval in Lisle. They reduced their ticket prices by 50% due to hard economic times so all families are able to attend. Sorry Napervile Exchange Club, but the admission price is too high.
Dan
11:00 am on Saturday, June 30, 2012
Don't worry, they'll survive. The place was totally packed last night.
Kathalese White
10:39 am on Sunday, July 1, 2012
Wow! I clicked on this page to see what Rib Fest was all about. I have heard so much about this and wanted to bring my family out for a great day of enjoyment but reading all these comments I think I will pass. This outing would cost my family $100.00 dollars just to get in not including the food. This is pretty steep well I never been and I guess I will never go. Love ya Naperville have fun.
Mary Ann Lopez
11:15 am on Sunday, July 1, 2012
It depends on what day you come. I believe the remaining days are $10 per person now. So, you might check the website just to confirm. Not sure how many people you are bringing. Thanks for your comment.
Kota
8:45 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012
I also will write to Naperville Exchange Club. I've heard from many that aren't attending due to the price. The best solution, IMO, is to seperate the band from the ribs. It would take effort and planning, but it is an idea to mull over. Your "band" ticket can get you into the rib area, but your "just rib" ticket won't get you into the band area. Mist people only eat the ribs dinner once so i would think once they're done and moved into the band area, they'll just be interestd in beer, water, an oda for th most part.