After a decades-long run as a staple event in the western suburbs, the Naperville Ribfest has announced its closure, ending a 35-year tradition that has drawn crowds of families and food enthusiasts alike. According to a statement obtained by NBC Chicago, the Exchange Club of Naperville cited escalating costs as the critical reason for the festival's end, highlighting the financial hurdles that have loomed post-COVID.
Erin O’Connell, a Wheaton resident, expressed her dismay to NBC Chicago, saying, "It was fun and that’s sad to hear", while the festival itself had managed a relocation to the DuPage County Fairgrounds, the fiscal challenges proved insurmountable, and income fell short of what was needed to make the event profitable. Jim McGuire, CEO of the DuPage County Fair Association, shared his sentiments, stating, "It was a cool event, people really enjoyed it so its sad." McGuire continued, acknowledging the difficulty posed by the cost of securing top-tier entertainment.
Historically, Ribfest wasn't just about savoring barbeque; it was a significant fundraising component for local non-profits. CBS Chicago reported that over the years, the festivity helped raise funds for more than 75 agencies, accumulating over $22 million for various causes. The Exchange Club of Naperville, the organizing body behind Ribfest, emphasized their history of service and impact on the community in an emotionally charged Facebook post.
The closure resonates beyond just the patrons; for participants like Mark Link, owner of Uncle Bub's and a multiple award winner at Ribfest, this decision carries weight—he had seen the signs but the confirmation still hit hard. "Once they moved it, during COVID, it was pretty hard. And they had to move the location. So it's very expensive to run an event like this," Link said in a statement detailed by CBS Chicago. Agencies such as Hesed House, which relied on funds from Ribfest for their family shelter, are now faced with a gap in support—Director of Development Lauren Jernigan expressed disappointment but also understanding toward the decision citing, "That's something that they partnered with us on. So that's obviously going to be impacted."
