New system for beer sales at Ribfest this year
By David Sharos For The Sun March 15, 2013 10:05AM
Updated: April 21, 2013 6:08AM
A case of a volunteer stealing money while working at Ribfest in Naperville last summer has led to a change in the festival’s policy on beer sales.
Members of the Naperville Exchange Club, which stages Ribfest every summer, told the Naperville Liquor Commission Thursday that they plan to implement a new beverage ticket system for beer sales this year.
“This was a recommendation made to us after last year’s Ribfest when we had short sales from beer and lost about $5,000,” said Marty Walker, chairman for this year’s fest. “We plan to have four points of sale for beverage tickets and no volunteers this year will handle any money.”
The change comes after a woman from Chicago was convicted in November of theft while a volunteer at Ribfest.
Nadia L. Greenidge, 29, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft in the case. She had originally been charged with theft or unauthorized control more than $500 but less than $10,000, a felony. That followed the June 30 incident in Knoch Park, where Ribfest is held each year.
Judge Blanche Hill Fawell in November convicted Greenidge of the reduced theft charge and placed her on two years of probation.
Naperville police suspected Greenidge of working with others in the scam. Greenidge would allegedly buy food or beverages from associates who were working at Ribfest booths and be given “change” that amounted to far more than the costs of her purchases.
