You can find some kind of festival, concert or fireworks display in nearly every town on Independence Day.

With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, the celebrating will continue for days.

If you're a sucker for barbecue sauce, you'll want to visit Naperville's annual Ribfest, running Thursday to July 5.

The huge festival has run for 22 years and involves more than flavorful ribs and finger-lickin' chicken. Musical entertainment, kids activities, a petting zoo, a traveling exhibit of rare artifacts, magic shows, carnival rides and inflatables are among the fun. And, of course, there's the food.

Seventeen rib cooks earned coveted spots to show off their secret recipes.

"This is considered one of the best Ribfests in the country," said Julie Lichter, a member of the Ribfest steering committee. "They all want to come here."

For the past 14 years, Ribfest has been named the "Best Fest in the Midwest" by Festival Magazine.

A $10 ticket gets you in the gate ($8 in advance at some locations) and before you think it's a hefty cover charge, consider all that is included. Several inflatables are free for kids to jump in. There's a free circus, dancing revues and magic show. Southern Living Magazine will be doing cooking demonstrations.

A free petting zoo is available and doubled in size this year. Face painting is also included. Children ages 11 and younger are offered free admission.

A mobile museum has been successful at the fest, as well. Last year, a Lincoln exhibit was brought to Ribfest while this year's attraction features artifacts from the shipwreck of the Titanic -- and it's included in your admission ticket.

Two stages of big-name musical entertainment also come with your $10 ticket.

Acts such as Heart, Huey Lewis & The News, Todd Rundgren, Sara Evans, Blue Oyster Cult and Peter Noone will take the stage.

Carnival rides and food aren't part of the ticket price.

"I've only been involved for three years, but it is a great event and there are lots of fun things for families to do. It's really improved the last five or six years and gotten even better," said Lichter. "We want everyone to come and do their staycations with us."

The huge undertaking by the Exchange Club of Naperville results in hundreds of thousands of dollars being donated to support the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

About 150 local volunteers help organize the event and another 3,000 outside volunteers make it possible. "It's a small organization that puts on this event," said Lichter. "We're 99.9 percent volunteers. We have one part-time paid person."

Lichter emphasized the nice setting of Knock Park, next to Naperville Central High School that can accommodate the large crowds. However, parking is a bit of a challenge and shuttles are offered to encourage people to take advantage of several parking options throughout the town.

Lichter recommends viewing the Web-site in advance for a map showing locations of shuttles.The site also suggests alternate routes for July 4th, the busiest day of the four-day festival.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Interstate 94 West to Interstate 80 West to Interstate 294 North. Take exit 140/West suburbs onto Interstate 355 North. Take 75th Street exit and turn left. Follow to South Washington Street and turn right. Turn left on Martin Avenue, then right on South West Street. Festival is at Knock Park, 724 S. West Street.

PARKING: Best bet is to park at one of the remote lots and take shuttle to Ribfest. See ribfest.net for detailed maps on shuttle locations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

ribfest.net

WHAT TO BRING:

* Sunblock

* Hand sanitizer for after visiting the petting zoo

* Socks for the inflatables if kids are wearing sandals or flip-flops.

* Stretchy pants to prepare for all the mouthwatering barbecue you'll consume.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

* No coolers

* No food

* No beverages (except FACTORY SEALED water bottles or baby's millk)

* No glass containers

* No fireworks

* No pets

* No fireworks (including sparklers)

* No tarps

* No tables, tents, large umbrellas, beach balls, Frisbees or related toys

YOU'LL LIKE:

The music, free activities for the kids and most of all the food.

KIDS WILL LIKE:

The inflatables and taking in a free magic show.

AND DON'T MISS:

The mobile museum featuring artifacts from the Titanic shipwreck.