I think the organizers of ribfest should be ashamed of themselves for the handicapped parking situation, 15 to 20 parking spaces by the park and there was a snowfence lot marked off that was right there that was half empty when we arrived and when we left and yet they would not let vehicles with handicapped plates or placards park there. That lot they told us was for "Members". Since when does that take priority over handicapped parking. I am sure the "members" are capable of walking futher than a handicapped person is and if not then they probably have a handicapped placard as well. My family has attended ribfest for many years, but I will not be able to attend in the future if something is not done about the hadicapped parking. And what is with the all access passes that allowed a car with no handicapped placard to park in the hanicapped lot and we saw them take out chairs and walk into the park, apparently to attend the event and not working at it.

I hate ribs.

I had a nice time at Ribfest. Kudos to the planners for bringing in the Psychedelic Furs. I do wish there would have been more rib vendors but overall it was a pleasant experience.

One more comment- One of the nicest people helping us on the way out- get over a bump with the wheelchair- was a tattooed guy with a cowboys hat...probably not one of the people excepted by the Happy Ribfester... but I would take a tattooed man with a caring heart over some of the 'elite' Naperville any day.

Hi, I actually sent in a letter to the Sun last year to no avail re: access to Edward's ER. I had to take my husband there last year (lawn mower accident) and it was agonizing! I simply couldn't get to the ER and MANY minutes were wasted. It was horrible. I sincerely hope that this issue is considered for years to come.

Moving the ribfest to Frontier would clear up the hospital traffic congestion. It seems more open at Frontier.

I agree that they need more handicapped parking. As a person who needs a wheelchair for events like this, temporary ramps would have been nice. To get into the event, you needed to get over a curb. Ramps would be much appreciated.

The crowds can become a bit overwhelming. They do need to have more handicapped parking. I am a disabled vet and when we got there Tuesday night, there were 2 spots left...one of which we took. Last year we couldn't find any parking at all. Over all though, I think you guys do a great job. I do think that it has overgrown it's location. I think that if it was spread out over the downtown area like Last Fling does, that would be an improvement. Plus then you would have areas for the music that are designed for that (the hill). I would also like to see more vendors there. That is one of the things I like about Eyes to the Sky is that you can buy stuff there as well. While most of that is junk,you do get the occasional cool vendor there. It's also a great opportunity for local businesses to have a presence and show thier wares.

Blessings,
Eric

I am a non-rib food vendor and this was my first time participating at Ribfest. My staff and I were pleased with the organization from a vendor standpoint. The crowds were good (except on Monday.) The 4th of July was outstanding from a business point of view, we had A LOT or repeat and "threepeat" customers. Overall I would say it was well worth my while and I hope to be asked back next year. I was there all 5 days at my booth and did not here one bad thing about my product or anyone elses

Thank you Ribfest and the Exchange Club for letting us introduce our product to Naperville.

Little Jimmy's Italian Ice

I am an employee of Edward Hopital and agree with the editorital posted in the Naperville Sun 07/08/07 regarding raod closings hampering access to the hospital. As I was leaving work at aproximately 3:45 PM on Tuesday 07/03/07, I noticed the traffic on Osler Drive was completely back up. I park in parking Lot C. As I was walking towards parking Lot C from the hospital, I could see part of the reason for the gridlock was due to the fact Brom Dr. was closed just north of the North parking garage. All of the employees and patients that were parked in the North garage had to exit to the south towards Osler then head either east or west on Osler. There was an ambulance caught in the sucession of cars heading south on Osler that did turn into the emergency room and began to unload a patient. Sirens and lights were not on so I'm
guessing it wasn't a major emergency. I think that the city and Ribfest organizers need to reconsider the traffic pattern around Edward Hospital during Ribfest to ensure fast and safe accesss to the hospital.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on Ribfest. The main concerns would be the noise and the traffic. Economics will take care of attendance. If someone in the back of the 35,000 crowd cannot hear the music they have either turned off their hearing aid or are in need of one. Perhaps a complimentary hearing check could be given to all attendees. The sound carries clearly to the neighborhood where I live, blocks away.
The gentleman who needed to take his wife to Edward Emergency Room highlights the traffic concerns. Traffic on Aurora Ave. is dangerously heavy as are other streets in the area.
Having been in Naperville less than 10 years, I'm surprised how many people aren't aware the Exchange Club sponsors this event. Should they advertise more????

I think the Ribfest is absolutely disgusting because of the class of people it draws. I have attended the last few years and have noticed an increase of what I would refer to as "hillbilly's" walking around, getting drunk and stinking up the place. I have never seen so many tattoo's, cigarettes hanging out of the mouths and foul language in my life, not to mention the horrible body odor that eminates from many of these "things". We people of Naperville should unite and have this event ONLY for residents of Naperville so we can enjoy it more in the future. People should have to bring id's or a utility bill showing proof that they live in Naperville to be able to enter. Only then will we be able to keep the lowlife crowd out of OUR Ribfest!

As a volunteer for Ribfest, I want to thank all of you for your comments. This event is very hard work for all of the volunteers that "give up" their holiday weekend for the cause. The 9 person steering committee are volunteers, the committee chairpeople are volunteers and all the event workers are again volunteers! (consider this: many of the steering committee and chairs begin their days at 6 or 7 AM and finish at 11-midnight daily only to return the next day).

With the volume of people that attend Ribfest every year, the event is a success due to the heart and dedication of the volunteers.

If you have a complaint, why not join the thousands of volunteers and work to make the event better!

Thanks to all that attended, the Ribfest team does their very best to ensure that the event is safe and fun for everyone. 99% of the time we succeed in our goal. What are the old sayings - can't please everyone all the time, or is it the squeaky wheel gets the oil??). We try desparately to please everyone and address issues the best we can every minute of the event.

And a final note, Ribfest is put on by the Naperville Exchange Club (not the Jaycees - they have Last Fling in the fall - be sure to attend their event also)!

Yes, I think the Jaycees did a great job putting on a wonderful event!!

We have gone to the Ribfest every year since moving to Naperville in 2000. I think that the $10 Entrance Fee is great; especially since my 8&5yrs old are FREE - along with FREE Parking. Being able to finally see HEART "live" was incredible, and my kids had a great time on the Rides. I just wish the Food Lines were shorter... But, hey the secret is out - Ribfest is the place to be over the 4th of July - it sure beats The Taste!!!

Ribfest caused closing down the streets and many access points to Edwards hospitals. I took my wife to emergency on Tuesday, and found many roads closed. It took me a lot longer to get to the ER than it should have taken.

The city must consider some other location for Ribfest so the medical care is not jeopardized.

SG

I brought my wife and two little ones to our first Ribfest. We came from Chicago and are conditioned to deal with lousy parking and entry fees. Overall we loved Ribfest. We thought the food was outstanding and the entertainment was excellent. Our only gripe concerns a lack of a place to cool off. We probably would have stayed longer and gone through many more rounds of ribs but the kids got really hot and we were worried that heat exhaustion would set in. More tents with fans and some sort of water/spray area is needed.

I have been in Naperville 17 years, and find all the whining about Ribfest amazing.
1/ the only people shut out of Ribfest that had advance tickets would have arrived after 8:20 PM on Tuesday. The LAST concert was 8:00 - how many people come at 8:30 for a concert already half over - be reasonable on time and there is no issue, everything shuts down at 9:30 !
2/ The $10 mostly stays in our community. Look at the price of concert tickets outside of Ribfest - $10 is a bargain - especially with 2 stages
(btw Lisle also $10, for one stage and more limited food vendors.
3/ As far as the price of ribs - $11- $13 half slab dinners are now outrageous ? While ribs are not cheap, and this is not priced in Old Country Buffet range, this is not off the charts
4/ Music too loud - sit further back - without the volume the people in the back of the 35,000 estimated Tuesday night would hear nothing...

The crowds say this is not pricing the fest out of reach - and while I wish it was $2 also, I also wish gas was $1 gallon. We attended 2 nights this year as a family and I also did not witness mass drunkeness around us . an occasional overserved person - sure, but let's not assume the person actually went to the tent and someone served them, instead of some other adult bringing it back to them. At night it is not easy to get overserved, as the crowds for the main stage especially limit one from making many trips to the beer tent.

My hats off to the Jaycees and all the volunteers that make Ribfest work, and raising large sums of money for the Kids! You do a phenomenal job.

Yes, the crowds are large, I absolutely agree with that, but without large crowds top musical acts will not be booked, and some Rib vendors may choose to skip Naperville...it's a price to pay for being a hugely popular fest ...

btw - Heart - may be best show I have ever seen at Ribfest

I also agree that it costs way too much to just walk through the gate - I also remember when it was free to get into it - also, the ribs are way overpriced for what you get and there should also be some 50's, 60's type of music for the Baby Boomers out there.

There were other festivals that were also going on at the same time, Lisle's Eyes to the Sky had Dennis De Young of STYX and he was GREAT. Best entertainment of all festivals so far. Ribs at Ribfest were OK, best are at Texas Roadhouse. They are loaded with meat and fall off the bone, great value. I understand why security was so tight but feel there could be an entry point for people who are not bringing anything into the area, That would ease the congestion some. The Amps on the stages were loud enough to hear the music in the next town, try to keep it within medically acceptable levels, you don't need to play it loud if it is good music. The best elephant ears were at Downers Grove's festival a couple weeks ago.

I have seen some drunks around there. A few nearly fell on me as they stumbled out of their chairs on their way to get more beer. Something needs to be done about those food tents. They're dirty, hot and crowded. I didn't go this year because of the unpleasant experiences from many previous years.

Most of the food concession were very good, but Lets not invite the "Howling Coyote" back there stuff was junk, had to throw it away and go to one other ribfest concessions, RT great!!! and Hearts ok but need to get artists with music thats more in line with celebreating the 4th, Dont need to listen to screaming music all the time.

I lived in Naperville until 2 years ago and avoided ribfest because I have some trouble walking in recent years (M.S.) and crowds can throw me off balance. This year, friends and I went to see Heart! It was so great. I don't mind the higher prices for a good cause. But there as no handicapped parking left very early, and the isles were not kept clear for getting through as the announcer had requested, because it was so crowded. Unfortunately, it won't be easy for me to go again, but I thought it was very well done except for these handicap and safety (isle) issues. It's just something I know I have to deal with, but these are things that I saw. Maybe nothing can be done, yet.. I LOVED seeing Heart!

Ribfest is great. I have never seen these plastered drunks stumbling around. People need to stop complaining about every little thing. If you hate it that much then don't go.

I think that Ribfest is disgusting. I have never seen so many drunks acting like a bunch of fools in my life. Even after people are plastered, the servers keep selling them more beer. The message was that Ribfest is "for the kids." Then why have so much beer and drunks around? That isn't very kid friendly.

I've been going to the Ribfest for a over 10 years now and have
always enjoyed being there with friends to eat, drink, and listen
to the bands. Yes I've seen the prices climb up and heard lots of
comments about that. But the reality is that this is not turning
people away. In fact due to the quality of the event, it seems
it is bringing even more people to the event dispite the costs.
Four dollar beers and $8 for sampler dinners I don't think are
any more than what others charge. Compared to Geneva Days and
Eyes to the Skies, I think the Ribfest overall is a clear winner.

My suggestions for improving the Ribfest:
1. Redesign the food and concert seating areas because the density
of the people at peak times are too great. I would separate
these 2 areas as far as one can.
2. Place clear signs for the beer tents (Maybe a floating beer can?)
3. Redesign the beer service, it takes way too long to get a beer.
Just look at the lines! I would have drank more than one beer
but didn't because I didn't want to wait in the line again.
After buying just one beer, I now understand why the attendent
mentioned about buying 2 beers.
4. Create a "reserved" bleacher seating to eat and listen to the
music. People could reserve by paying even more in advance
to be able to eat and listen with decent view of the stage.
I would like to bring my small kids to eat and listen to music
but the reality is that ribfest after 7 pm is just way too
crowded to bring small kids and you have to stand to see the
band.

The ribfest was great!!! Delicious!!

I love ribfest. Did you know all the proceeds go to charities all around our community? To heck with people saying it's overpriced when the revenue ends up combatting the abuse of women and children in our very own area. Plus, 10 dollars to see the bands is nothing compared to venues in the chicagoland area. I enjoy being with my family there and try to volunteer as much of my time as possible. If you have a specific complaint about it, write to the Exchange Club of Naperville, drop in at a meeting, etc., and get your viewpoint across. Ribfest goes on all year when it comes to planning so if you want to make a difference, start now and you could see results by next year.

Although it's for a good cause there is some merit in having a discounted multi-day ticket acomodation. The advantage would be that the event would draw even more people to enjoy the music on these lovely summer nights. Not everybody has the money to shell out 10 bucks per night (even in high income Naperville)and from what I've been reading attendance is a bit off this year - meaning less money for charity. At least, the discounted multi-day ticket idea should be explored.

I strongly agree that there should be a discounted multi-day ticket of some sort. I'll visit three nights this year. Parking is scarce but I've been able to find parking near downtown and walk the 5 or 6 blocks. I think the organizers are doing a good job with what they have.

For Mr. Johnson; I think you need to be reminded that Ribfest is a charitable fundraiser. There has been a LOT of money raised over the past few days, all for a good cause. I'll gladly pay $10 to a charity in exchange to see great entertainment (3 great bands last night alone) and enjoy these wonderful Summer nights.

Ribfest is great for Naperville. Alot of people work very hard to make it happen. It's incredible how every year so many activities take place for children and adults alike. That doesn't happen on its own. People volunteer their time over the holiday to do it.

I stopped going to Ribfest a long time ago when I saw the prices for admission and food start going up. I remember when Ribfest admission was free, the price for a rib sampler was $2, meals were more than reasonable, and even though the place was crowded, you still had a good time. Now, with having to pay $10 just to walk into the place, and the prices for food even higher, it just doesn't make sense to even want to go to the thing anymore. And I think it is going to be just a matter of time until the organizers are going to start charging admission just for the concerts alone, and at that point, they just may wind up pricing the fest clear out of existence. This is why I think that for less than $5 more than what is being charged for admission to the fest, I can go get a full slab rib dinner at Portillo's, and enjoy it without having to try and find seating in an overcrowded tent area that has loud blaring music in the background. I think it is just plain sad to see what Ribfest has been allowed to turn into.

I love Ribfest. It's not cheap by any means, but look at the quality of entertainment that they get year to year compared to festivals in neighboring suburbs. My only suggestion would be that they offer some sort of weekend or multiple day pass for people like myself who typically go more than one day.

I enjoy going to Ribfest. My only comment is that they shouldn't sell advance tickets if their not going to let people in, like last year when they turned people away on Saturday night. You go through the trouble of fighting traffic to get there, finding a place to park, and walking all the way to the gate only to get there and find out it's closed. That is so wrong.