One week ago today on July 3, 2013 Ribfest opened its gates at 4PM. What followed were five days of nearly perfect weather and a chance for entertainers and 13 ribbers to attract tens of thousands of individuals to support the Exchange Club of Naperville, a national service organization with 150 local members who volunteer throughout the entire year with a mission to benefit causes to prevent domestic violence and child abuse in the spirit of Americanism.
As glorious sunshine again greeted the day, by 10AM July 10, other than a large stack of green trash cans in the center of the park, nary a sign remained of the memories that were made during the annual barbecue and music festival.
Fortunately, many photographers had roamed the grounds of the 26th annual event eager to capture the scenes of camaraderie in pictures.
From Knoch Park South where ribbers lined up their barbecue pits to the Ribfest Expo just off Martin Avenue in both directions to the Navistar Main Stage in Knoch Park North, people-watching has been saved through the eyes of many professional photographers as well as visitors to the park with their smart electronic devices. Photos of family-friendly activities that also filled the park daily—the carnival, inflatables, magic show, the Eurobungee, petting zoo and much more—focus on youth enjoying the festival, mindful that the Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest logo promotes “It’s about kids!”
Online Photo Albums
Featured here are several links to photos now posted online. The “Thumbs Up” Ribfest slide show was produced by photographer Joe Lichter.
Lichter also put together another link of Ribfest 2013 photos.
In addition, Exchange Club member Jim Hoch took “buckets” of photos that soon will be posted in their entirety to provide a comprehensive overview of the 5-day event that also includes planning meetings, fireworks on Independence Day, Carnival, concerts, ribbers, etc.
According to M.J. Howenstine, Exchange Club of Naperville / Ribfest 2013 Adminstrator, signs of Ribfest in Knoch Park are fleeting quickly. Most major items had been removed in both the Knoch Park North and South “less than 48 hours from the last notes of Lynard Synard.” Final rounds of clean-up will be completed today.
So farewell to Ribfest 2013 with gratitude to all the volunteers of the 2013 Ribfest Steering Committee, to sponsors and to everyone devoted to creating a safe family-friendly festival that has showcased the heart of Naperville for 26 years, raising nearly $13 million for local social services to date. The final 2013 tally for attendance and monies raised will be forthcoming.
CityGate Grille hosts Ribfest vs. Last Fling Patio Shakedown on July 24
Still, it’s no over ’til it’s over! Next up Exchange Club members Bruce Erickson and Marty Walker will join Jaycees Bill Eagan and Chad Pedigo as charity bartenders in a Patio Shakedown at CityGate Grille from 6-9PM on Wed., July 24. The charity bartenders will compete, serving to raise funds for DuPage Pads. The community is welcomed to attend.
