As thousands poured into Knoch Park to enjoy food, music, games, rides and fun Saturday, a feeling of nostalgia hung thick in the hot, summer air during the last Naperville Ribfest before the event movies to Romeoville.
“Makes me sad,” said Kim Marran, who described herself as a Naperville “lifer.” The mother of two children 8 and 11 years old said in recent years they missed Ribfest while visiting family out of town during the holiday weekend, but she specifically attended the final day of Ribfest at Knoch Park Saturday because “I wanted to get them here to experience it now that they’re older. It’s nostalgic to be here.”
Marran said she plans to “go to test it out in Romeoville,” the new location for next year’s Ribfest.
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For 32 years, the Exchange Club of Naperville has been putting on the popular food and music festival, which became synonymous with Knoch Park as it grew over the years. Last year the Naperville Park District told the non-profit organization it could no longer hold Ribfest in the community park because of a $5 million project to install a new softball field and a new soccer and lacrosse synthetic turf field that could be ruined by the festival foot traffic.
“I agree” with the reason for the move, said Thalita Murry of Aurora. “People in the community pay taxes.” Despite understanding the motives, she still didn’t like the change. “I’m sure we’ll go (to the new location), but not sure if we’ll like it. We’ll still support it.”
Ribfest will continue to be organized as a fundraiser for the Exchange Club to raise money to combat domestic violence and child abuse. The new location at the Romeoville municipal complex on Romeo Road between Highway 53 and Weber Road will have more space than Knoch Park, which hosts four days of award-winning barbecue grillers, a carnival and midway, assorted booths and activities, and two stages that have included national touring acts like Sheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, LeAnn Rimes and Pitbull.
“It’s sad. It’s been here a long time,” Don Boekeloo, of Beecher, said. “It’s a nice day for it. Love the food. Atmosphere is good. Music is good. I’ll probably still attend” next year.
Wade Valainis of Aurora said he comes every year. “It’s really unfortunate. Would have been nice for Aurora to get it. Probably going (next year). We’ll have to see how long it takes to get there, what the area around it is like. We like the area here. You can take the shuttles. You can stay the day and go downtown.”
Diana and George Poulos of Elgin checked out Ribfest for the first time Saturday because they wanted to experience it before it left Naperville. They planned to try ribs from all 11 vendors. “We like them all so far,” said George Poulos.
Veronica Cwynar of Naperville said she doesn’t think she will go to Ribfest in Romeoville. “We come because of the convenience. In-laws came in from the city, and we make it a whole day thing,” said Cwynar, adding that she’s not upset the festival is moving. “I’m not that sentimental.”
“That’s crazy” it’s relocating, Amy Ostrowski, of Beverly, said. “I always associate it with Naperville. We probably won’t be going (next year). It’s further south for us.”
Dave Moore of Naperville said his family has avoided it the last few years.
“Not what it was 30 years ago,” Moore said. “It used to be more about food and a family event, less crowded. We came today for the last day and to eat some ribs.”
Michael Sandine of Medinah said he has not missed Ribfest since 2003 and won’t miss next year. “I’m still going to go. Not going to deter me. I’ve only watched two concerts. It’s the food. When I have my kids, (the petting zoo) is the no. 2 attraction. Only get to do it once a year. We’re city folks. Fun to get in the country a little bit.”
The owners of the free Miller’s Petting Zoo said they have been bringing their animals to Ribfest for 20 years and plan to keep bringing them to the new location in Romeoville, despite their disappointment.
“It’s kind of sad. It’s such a part of Naperville,” said Kelly Rushing, co-owner of the Geneseo farm.
“The joy and pleasure we get is to get the animals in public and watch the reaction, kids and especially adults,” said co-owner Dennis Rushing, who recalled funny Ribfest stories of people trying to ride a donkey or alpaca or lift up the calves. “We do over 200 events a year.”
“This is the biggest event we do. This is the busiest,” Kelly Rushing added. “I think it’s going to have growing pains, take three to five years to get it back. We’ve seen that happen to other fairs that moved locations. People don’t like change.”
Diane Moca is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.