Organizers of The Naperville Salute announced in a Facebook post on Monday that the hometown festival, which had been planned for June 27 through 29, is canceled for this summer. The post stated the group had fallen short of the fundraising goal and could not provide the same level of programming the community deserved.
Naperville Salute honored veterans
Despite the difficult decision, organizers said they remain proud of the impact The Salute has made in the community —honoring veterans, uplifting local organizations, and fostering a strong sense of pride in Naperville
The event was first launched by Naperville Responds for Veterans as a Fourth of July weekend family celebration on Rotary Hill to help fill the void left when Ribfest moved out of Naperville. It was originally slated to begin in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the group to push back its start until 2021. This year would have been the event’s fifth.
The Salute focused on providing a hometown feel, offering up live music, family-friendly entertainment, and food vendors, along with a special nod to veterans.
Naperville Responds for Veterans Ruck March continues
Plans are in place to continue supporting the Naperville Responds for Veterans Ruck March, with The Salute Charitable Organization providing logistical help for the summer event. Additional details are expected in the coming weeks.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, and community members who have helped shape the event over the years, saying, “The spirit of The Salute lives on, and we look forward to sharing what’s next. We look forward to celebrating and honoring our Veterans, Military, and First Responders in 2026.”
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