'Downsized' Romeoville Ribfest Moving Ahead As Planned In July

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Romeoville’s annual Ribfest is returning this summer albeit in a downsized manner after being canceled — for the first time in its 33-year history — last year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Exchange Club of Naperville, which sponsors the annual festival, announced that the event will take place between July 1-4. The festival will be held at Deer Crossing Park, which is located at 1050 W. Romeo Rd. in Romeoville.

“This year’s event will be downsized from previous years due to current COVID-related regulations,” festival organizers wrote on the Ribfest website. “Ribfest will continue to monitor the State of Illinois’ regulations as to keep this event safe for all participants.”

Last year’s Ribfest event was the first that was to be held in Romeoville after it moved from Naperville.

Organizers have indicated that several traditional aspects of the festival will return, including live music, with live performances taking place all four days of the event. Organizers wrote on the website that the musical lineup – along with other specifics – will be released in coming weeks.

Organizers have not indicated what kind of limitations will be placed on gathering sizes, but the event will have more of a “private feel” according to reports. Organizers told ABC 7 that there will be more spacing between food and drink lines and that hand sanitizing stations will be present and that social distancing guidelines will be followed.

"It's an ongoing examination of the best possible ways to conduct a responsible, secure event that will keep our supporters and attendees as our first priority, as they always have been," Ribfest Chairman Bob Black told the station.