The Exchange Club of Naperville has responded after receiving some backlash over a performance pick for Naperville’s Ribfest.
Recently the group announced that Toby Keith would headline the stage at Naperville’s Ribfest on June 30.
While many residents were happy with the selection, others have commented on Ribfest’s Facebook page objecting to Keith’s performance in Naperville, citing his recent performance at President Trump’s inauguration and claiming one of his songs has racial undertones.
Ribfest organizers say their pick is not political and was chosen before the inauguration. They emphasize at the heart of the event is a worthwhile cause.
“We promote prevention of child abuse and domestic violence. So all the funds that we raise at Ribfest goes to that cause. We support about 55 local agencies in about four counties. We’ve raised over $1 million and gave that away last year, we’ve given away $15.5 million over the last 29 years,” said Diane Simmons, Ribfest Chairperson with the Exchange Club of Naperville.
This is the 30th year of the Exchange Club’s Ribfest.
This year Ribfest runs from June 30th through July 3rd.
Naperville News 17’s Alyssa Bochenek reports.
