By Marie Lazzara
A popular summer destination for 28 years, Ribfest always creates new offerings to give its visitors memorable experiences. This year, Ribfest has raised the bar.
For the first time, guests can raise their glasses to sip brews from around the world at the Ribfest International & Craft Beer Tasting from 1 to 5PM Fri., July 3 and Sat., July 4. Held in a private area, visitors ages 21 and older will sample international and craft beers from North and South America and Europe. Cicerones, certified beer experts, will be on-site to demonstrate beer making and answer questions.
Cost for the International and Craft Beer Tasting is $40 each day. The price includes general admission entrance to Ribfest, 18 3-ounce tasters, education seminars on beer making 101, a gift bag, a commemorative beer glass, food pairing information, giveaways and drawings for prizes.
Also new this year are Front of Stage reserved tickets.
“We’ve been watching this trend,” says 2015 Ribfest Chair Bob Pschirrer, “and we think it’s a great match for many music lovers who like the close-up, up on your feet experience.”
The Front of House reserved tickets include patron access to all Ribfest activities for one day and entrance to the Front of Stage Reserved area closest to the bands playing on the main stage. The megawatt musical lineup has Paul Rodgers of Bad Company on July 2; Sammy Hagar and the Circle July 3; and popular country artists Kellie Pickler and Kristian Bush on July 4. The celebration culminates with The Band Perry performing July 5.
Navigating Ribfest becomes easier thanks to an updated version of the Ribfest IPhone app 2.0 available at ITunes and the debut of the Android app found on Google Play.
Along with the new options for enjoying Ribfest, patrons can still expect tasting award-winning ribs from the best rib masters across America, family-friendly carnival attractions and the always popular Naperville Bank & Trust/Wintrust Community Banks Family Area.
“We are proud to offer something for everyone at Ribfest,” says Don Emery, Ribfest Marketing Chair. “We hope that these additions will become part of Ribfest tradition.”
