The Fourth of July was celebrated with the usual fanfare of flags waiving and parades, but after the festivities thousands of people headed to Naperville for the final day of Ribfest.
“The weather has been phenomenal and we’ve had great cooperation from both the city and the Park District,” said Ray Kinney, a spokesman for Ribfest. “The crowds have been well-behaved and there have been no issues to speak of.”
Kinney said 50,000 can be accommodated in the north and south parks combined, and “anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000” have been in the north park for the main stage concerts the past two nights.
“We’re expecting another huge crowd tonight for the Gin Blossoms,” Kinney said Monday. “The idea is for people to get here early, listen to some music in the south park, have some lunch, and then go and set up their blankets and chairs in the north end and enjoy the festival.”
Beyond the food, music has long been a major part of the draw to Ribfest, and visitors Monday were ready to give the 29th annual fest a great send off.
Jeff Rasmussen, of Naperville, said his friend is a member of “Smokey & Friends” and he planned to sit as close to the front as possible for their show Monday.
“I’m willing to risk ear damage to an ear drum,” Rasmussen said, adding he “might take a break and eat a rib or two.”
Lorena Pereira, of Aurora, sat with her boyfriend, Matt Patterson of Downers Grove. The couple elected to give themselves more space from the stage than most, with Pereira saying she “didn’t want to hurt her ears.”
“I enjoy live music, and it’s just nice to hear it even if you don’t know what the band is playing,” she said.
Patterson added: “We’re far enough away we can still interact and look around, see the vendors and the rides and smells and get the feel of it all at once. We plan to get some more food later and just enjoy this.”
Sandy and Jim Stefana, of Tinley Park, admitted they were veteran music fest fans and brought the gear and supplies to prove it. The couple said their travel bag had all the gear necessary in case of a storm.
“You’re allowed to bring one liter of water, so we have that since you can’t just drink beer all afternoon,” Jim Stefana said. “We’re both big blues festival fans, and whenever someone is on the program that plays the blues – we’re there.”
Sandy Stefana added: “We’ve come here the last couple of years, and we just pick a spot with our chairs and enjoy the day. We’ll be taking a few beer runs, but we never go crazy.”
Brookfield residents Jerry and Natalie Lindgren said they have come to Ribfest the past 10 years and love the outdoor concert venue and just being in the sunshine.
“It’s overcast today, but I’d sit out here if it was 90 degrees,” Jerry Lindgren said. “I don’t care if people play rock, country — I just enjoy listening and having a few beers.”
“I don’t drink so I’m here just to eat,” Natalie Lindgren said. “We’ve already tried two of the rib vendors, and I plan on visiting two more. For me it’s the music and eating.”
Steve Reynolds, of Willowbrook, and his son Brian got front row seats to the set by Smokey & Friends and each said they played instruments themselves.
“I play guitar and drums and have come to see some shows,” Brian said. “A bunch of my friends are coming later and we’re going to eat and go on the rides.”
“I’ve been in tons of bands, and for me it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy the band for a while,” Steve Reynolds said. “Sometimes when you’re performing it’s really work, and it’s nice for once to just goof off and have some fun.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
