Naperville’s Ribfest is calling it quits after 35 years.
The Exchange Club of Naperville, the festival’s organizer, made the announcement Tuesday on Facebook. The post said, in part, that the cost of the event post-COVID was just too high, making it hard to generate enough money to be profitable.
Ribfest was a huge factor in how The Exchange Club was able to raise millions of dollars for dozens of non-profits that fight against child abuse and domestic violence.
“They’ve raised so much money for the organizations and donated so much to them,” said Mark Link, the owner of Uncle Bub’s BBQ and Catering. That really hurts because those organizations are going to feel the hit more than anybody else.”
The club said it is proud of the impact its dedication and service have had on the community.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” Link said. They had great entertainment. They have the grounds. There’s so much logistics involved that I can understand that it’s not cheap to run.”
To see the full statement from Naperville Ribfest, click here.
