Drawn by racks of ribs and the sounds of Styx, Ribfest goers lined up to get inside Knoch Park for the start of the annual festival Wednesday.
Amy Suarez and Kevin Stearns of Naperville were among the first in the park, making a beeline to Texas Outlaws for a taste of the signature dish.
“The first ribs of the day,” Suarez said. “… I’m so excited about that. They’re excellent.”
Stearns said he was looking forward to seeing Styx and Lynyrd Skynyrd throughout the weekend. The fest’s lineup also includes Slash, Rick Springfield, Casey James and Love and Theft.
“They’re getting better with the concerts,” Stearns said. “Bring back the older bands. That’s what’s going to bring me.”
Naperville residents Mallory Putnal and Kayla Meier, both 13, were there for the games.
“We get to win a fish and name it fun names,” Mallory said as she and Kayla tossed ping pong balls into glass jars.
It didn’t take long for her to win two fish, which she planned to name Paula and Phil.
Not far away, Joe Carsello’s children were gliding through the air on the back of a flying elephant resembling Dumbo.
“The atmosphere is great,” he said. “There’s a lot of families, a lot of kids around and we go to see the music. There’s great bands and good food obviously as well.”
The fest continues through Sunday. Tickets are available online for $12 or can be purchased at the gate for $15. Children 11 and under are free with a paying adult. On July 4, entry will be free after 7:30 p.m. for fireworks.
Proceeds go to programs that help eliminate child abuse and domestic violence.
For more information visit http://www.ribfest.net.
Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com