The 5th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival will feature more than 25 top barbecue purveyors, but that’s only a fraction of what’s expected to draw more than 15,000 event-goers to Salt River Fields Sat., April 5. The biggest attraction is an expansion of last year’s wildly popular Redneck Games Arena.
“Absolutely no part of this event will take itself too seriously,” says event co-founder, David Tyda. “If you don’t laugh in the first five minutes, then I’ll buy you a shot!”
He’s kidding, of course. But this year, fans will find even more hilarious, redneck-inspired competitions, from keg-rolling and watermelon seed-spitting contests to arm wrestling, lawn mower racing, along with the horseshoe games with toilet seats.
Pageants galore also will take place on the contest stage: event organizers are looking for attendees to enter the Daisy Duke Beauty Pageant, Redneckiest Tattoo Contest, Hottest Mullet Pageant, and more. Phoenix’s Coach’s Corner Grill is the official “Arena Bar Sponsor” and will add a decidedly sports-minded flair to the games.
The 5th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival also will feature five live bands on the main stage, including The Crown Kings, James Parks Band, Pearl Ridge, and Sour Diesel Trainwreck. Presenting Bar Sponsor, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, will get the party started with a live DJ and other entertainment.
As in years past, the Sub-Zero/Wolf Cooking Demonstration stage will have cooking demonstrations every hour, only this year, there’s a twist: “We’ve asked all chefs to cook up their favorite ‘gourmet road kill!'” From snake and rabbit, to possum and alligator, attendees will learn how to turn these unexpected ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.
Adding to the excitement, there will be wrestling shows by Championship Wrestling from Arizona, and a “Best of Phoenix” winner. With shows all day, these men and women will entertain and often amaze.
Realizing that great local restaurants sometimes get left out of the BBQ festivities, organizers have added Arizona’s first Bacon Zone. In this area, local restaurants will dish out any food with bacon and compete for the title: Best Bacon Thing. “Bacon and BBQ go hand-in-hand,” says Tyda. “Actually, bacon and anything go hand-in-hand.” One hundred percent of restaurant entry fees for this Bacon Zone are being donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
There also will be a Kid’s Zone (additional fees may apply).
VIP Tent: Four restaurants will serve their delicious cuisine, making for the best-value ticket price around. VIP attendees receive a card good for six drinks, private bathrooms, unlimited food from VIP Tent sponsors and a private area to relax.
Tickets: $12 GA (FREE parking made possible by Discount Cab); kids 12 and under, FREE; $60 advance VIP.
More info: http://www.azbbqfestival.com
