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Attendance Down At Naperville Ribfest This Year

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (CBS) -- The heat wave may have cut into attendance at a popular suburban event this week.

As WBBM Newsradio's Kris Kridel reports, the final figures are not in yet, but fewer people than usual attended the 25th annual Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville from last Friday through Tuesday.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Kris Kridel reports

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The Naperville Sun reports the drop in attendance could be as much as 20 percent.

Total attendance usually amounts between 250,000 and 500,000, public relations and marketing chairwoman Julie Lichter told the newspaper.

Organizers blame the heat and the major storms on Sunday, although higher ticket prices may also have had an impact, the Naperville Sun reports.

Entertainment this year included three classic rock acts – ZZ Top, Joe Walsh of Eagles fame, and the Steve Miller Band.

While tickets last year were $12 at the gate and $9 in advance at Jewel-Osco grocery stores, this year, the price was $10 in advance on Monday and Tuesday, and $25 when the Steve Miller Band performed, the Sun reported.

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