June 30--In light of reports of a potential terror threat during America's long July 4th weekend, Naperville Ribfest organizers say security efforts will be increased, but that it's nothing the average rib-consuming attendee will likely notice.
"We've beefed things up," Rick Grimes, who has headed Ribfest's security efforts for the Exchange Club for much of the past 15 years, said of this year's security measures, which he compared to the immediate years following 9/11. "We made some significant changes because of the new reality."
Most of those changes will be observational, and involve extra attentiveness on the part of hired security and Naperville police, he said, everything from the thoroughness of bag checks to keeping an eye on the perimeter and watching the crowds for suspicious activity on the approximately 20 acre Knoch Park fest site.
"Will there be greater vigilance? Yes," Grimes said. "Everybody's talking about it and we're aware of it."
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement last weekthat federal officials are in touch with state and local law enforcement as Independence Day approaches.
No specific threat was mentioned by Johnson.
"We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared," he said in the statement. "We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary."
Security at the event, which can have 30,000 people on site at any given time, is a joint, well-coordinated effort, Grimes said.
Ribfest hasn't had to close its gates due to over capacity in a few years, according to Grimes.
All the extra security shouldn't deter folks from coming out and enjoying themselves during the four-day event, which kicks off Thursday.
"If you polled our patrons, the fact that they see uniformed police officers, park police, and see the procedures we have in place, I believe that that adds to a well-being, as opposed to an anxiety-producing thing," he said.
Naperville police Sgt. Steve Schindlbeck said the department is working with a number of government agencies to vet potential fest threats, but that there is nothing indicating that Ribfest will be a target.
He said he is more concerned about overcrowding, which could lead to authorities closing the north entrance of the park at times.
Schindlbeck said over capacity of the event hasn't been an issue since the last time Sammy Hagar played.
The Red Rocker is slated to take the stage at 8:30 p.m on Friday. The closing act on Sunday is the popular country band The Band Perry, which is expected to draw a substantial crowd.
Aside from the bevy of food, music, carnival games and other diversions during the annual fest, the city issued a statement reminding residents of the variety of street closures and no parking zones that will be in effect on July 4.
The revelry kicks off at 10 a.m. Thursday, and organizers may at any time close off the park due to capacity or public safety reasons, according to the city.
Parking around the Ribfest grounds is limited, and officials are urging attendees to make use of the free public shuttles that will run to and fro from several remote parking locations in Naperville, according to the city.
Even more service shuttles will be provided on July 4 at several more locations.
The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the city.
There will be additional road closures and restrictions at that point, and the fest's gates will be opened to the public at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
There is no Ribfest parking at Edward Hospital, and no fireworks viewing area will be available on the hospital campus. Alcoholic beverages and fireworks are also prohibited on the hospital campus.
The main parking area for vehicles with a disabled parking placard will be at All Saints Academy, 1155 Aurora Ave., between River Road and West Street, according to the city. Shuttle buses will run regularly from this location.
Limited parking for those with a disabled parking placard will also be available on Martin Avenue, with parking allowed there until spaces are full.
Disabled parking will also be available at Naperville Central High School and can be accessed on Hillside Avenue at West Street.
More parking for the disabled can be found in all parking lots and decks throughout downtown, as well as at the Municipal Center parking deck at 400 S. Eagle St., but there will be no shuttle service from those locations.
Vehicles with a disabled parking placard or license plates can drop off disabled individuals and their companions at the shuttle drop-off area on West Street, south of Martin Avenue, or in front of the event's north gate on Hillside Road, but there is no parking at this location.
geoffz@tribpub.com
