One of the leading festivals in the Midwest is back at it again this year, but is offering a lot for the family. Naperville's 4th of July weekend features music, fireworks and ribs from around America.

Fourth of July weekend is traditionally a time for picnics, food, gathering, music and fireworks.

Many visitors to the fest this year say they didn't want to travel into Chicago but were still looking for a grand celebration in Naperville.

Many parents love how interactive the family center is.

Katwan Dias, parent of two and resident of Naperville came visited the Ribfest two days in a row.

“My family and I love it here,” Dias said. “My daughter got to rock climb twice and now they’re all worn out from going around the family area, but we had fun.”

The five acre Family Area is the place for family entertainment. Family Area has climbing walls, inflatable rides, a bull ride, high wire circus, petting zoo and magic shows.

Denis Miller, owner of Miller's Petting Zoo, said, “We love coming to these events."

Millers has a variety of baby animals that are kid-friendly.

"It’s a lot of fun to watch the kids with the baby animals,” Miller said.

There were four different inflatable moonjumps from Jumpin Jacks Company, the most popular one was where kids get strapped in, run, and get yanked back.

“Kids from ages four up to eighteen can jump on any of our moonjumps,” said Dave Wentz, partner for Jumpin Jacks. “We’re on full display here and it’s all for free.”

And a mobile tour is in honor of the "Bicentennial of the Birth of President Abraham." The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois is traveling with this mobile museum exhibit making a stop at the festival. The free exhibit uses interactive elements, graphics, documents and artifacts inside a 53 foot long double expandable trailer.

Fireworks lit up the skies over Ribfest and Naperville on July 4 at 9:30 pm. The Fireworks display is provided by the City of Naperville and Naperville Park District.

And of course, there's the ribs...Ribfest has been voted the Best Fest in the Midwest by Festival Magazine for 14 years in a row. Ribfest recruits some of the best rib vendors in America, for some of the best BBQ anywhere.

Rib vendors pridefully present their ribs for sale to the crowds. Rib vendors include: Desperado's BBQ 7 Rib Co, Fast Freddy's Electric BBQ Ribs, Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue and Catering, Texas Outlaws BBQ, Pigfoot, Aussom Aussie, Butch's Smack Your Lips B-B-Q, Porky N Beans National BBQ Cooking Team, Rasta Joes BBQ, Sgt. Oink's Pit BBQ, Johnson's BBQ, Mojo's Ribshack, Smokin' Joe's Hog Wild Barbeque, Armadillo Rib and Que Company and Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ.

Ribfest will continue through Sunday, July 6. Festival hours are noon to 10:00 pm. Ribfest is located at Knoch Park in Naperville, Illinois. Exchange club officials advises parking in a remote lot and taking a free shuttle to the festival grounds. Tickets at the gate are $10.

Shannon Coughlin Reports.