Phantom Gourmet's BBQ & Music Festival Moves to Tri-City Arena

From June 26, to June 28, the Rochester Fairgrounds will play host to the 11th Annual Phantom Gourmet BBQ & Music Festival. Emceed by the kings of “Food & Fun” – Dan, Dave and Mike Andelman – the three-day affair will feature award-winning pitmasters from across the globe, a country music festival, carnival entertainment and several extreme competitions, beer and wine gardens and family-friendly fun. Located just one hour outside of Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, the Rochester Fairgrounds also boasts a grandstand with seating for 1,400 people that will serve as center stage at the “Phantom Gourmet BBQ & Music Festival.”

On the culinary side, traveling barbeque teams from Australia to Texas will fire up their smokers and serve up the best – and messiest – in backyard, southern. Pitmaster teams such as Aussom Aussie BBQ, Joey’s Texas Thunder BBQ, Chicago BBQ Company, Johnson Barbeque and Firefly’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que will offer their homestyle favorites at a la carte pricing.

On the music side, popular country acts will take the stage and provide live entertainment throughout the three days. The headliners include country recording artists Jay Taylor, Tim Charron, Darren Bessette and Southern Drawl, all hailing from Nashville, TN. Regional favorites include Chicken FRY, Brandon Lepere, Brianna Grace, Walkin’ The Line and the Jandee Lee Porter Band.

The event will showcase a southern “showdown” of festivities including New Hampshire’s first Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest: a qualifier for Coney Island world championship, a mechanical bull riding competition, pig racing at Hog Speedway and a spectacular fireworks celebration. Additionally throughout the three-day event, there are beer and wine gardens, line dancing and lessons and Kiddieland for the little ones with rides and activities including bouncy houses and a “Super Slide.”

The “Phantom Gourmet BBQ & Country Music Festival” takes place from June 26, to June 28, 2015, at the Tri-City Stadium at Rochester Fairgrounds (72 Lafayette St. in Rochester). The hours of operation are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is complimentary on Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $5 during all other operating hours. Children under-10 are treated to complimentary admission throughout the three-day event. Free parking is available on premise. Proper ID is required to consume alcohol.

For additional information, please visit: festeventsne.com. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please contact Jude David at FestEvents 603-918-3385 orjude@festeventsne.com.