ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- One of the biggest festivals in the suburbs – Ribfest – is not going to happen this summer, after all.
The organizers with the Exchange Club of Naperville had planned to go ahead with the event in a new location, Deer Crossing Park in Romeoville, for what would have been the 33rd Ribfest, scheduled for July 1-4.
But, the organizers said they can’t "reasonably guarantee health, safety and success for such a large-scale public event that occurs in the early portion of the summer festival schedule." They said the timing of Ribfest makes it "susceptible to the instability of capacity limits and other regulations."
On the Ribfest Facebook page, people commenting on the decision are not pleased, and they noted that Lollapalooza is returning.
Some comments read “majorly disappointed” and “horrible decision.”
The organizers said it was not an easy decision.
"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.
Exchange Club and Romeoville officials will now begin "optimistic planning" for 2022.
In a joint statement, Bob Black, the 2021 Ribfest Chairman, and Jerry Kochurka, Exchange Club of Naperville President, explained further: “As a not-for-profit organization, the Exchange Club of Naperville donates proceeds from our annual Ribfest event to multiple agencies in the fight against 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.”
In lieu of ticket-package purchases, supporters will 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.
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