On Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 2 pm-8pm, expect to find the largest outdoor barbecue event in Arizona. The streets of historic downtown Chandler will be transformed into a great big playground with food, brew, entertainment, and lots of family fun. The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival will showcase the best that BBQ has to offer – mouth-watering pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken – paired with the state’s finest craft beers. Make sure you come hungry and ready to enjoy the taste and savor every morsel of great barbecue food with 10,000 other BBQ enthusiasts.
This family-friendly event will feature live music by renowned national acts Reel Big Fish (expect a hyperkinetic stage show, humorous antics, ironic covers of new wave pop songs, and a touch of ska-punk) and Dirty Heads (voted one of the “Best New Bands of 2010” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Other entertainment includes racing pigs, a Kids Zone play area, a custom Harley bike show, a wing-eating contest and a Farmer’s Market. Former Arizona Cardinal and Pro Bowler Kwamie Lassiter will serve as Master of Ceremonies and sign autographs.
Make no mistake, HDE Agency stated that this is a “festival” and not a barbecue competition – so good food and good times will be in abundant supply. “This festival is not about trophies, it’s about the food,” said Landon Evans of HDE Agency. “No table etiquette applies. So you can eat with your hands, wipe your mouth on your sleeve, and lick your fingers before wiping them on your pants. Just expect to have a good time!”
Proceeds from the event will support the Downtown Chandler Community Foundation’s grant program. The Downtown Chandler Community Foundation (DCCF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit community foundation which provides grants to qualifying non-profit organizations within the Historic Downtown area supporting critical community needs. The DCCF and the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership are striving to make Historic Downtown Chandler a viable, attractive, exciting and inviting area for the entire community to take pride in and enjoy. The public is invited to enjoy in the fun.
Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.chandlerbbq.com for $10, which is good for admission. Food and beer will be sold by vendors on a cash basis.
The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival is presented in partnership with the Chandler Office of Tourism, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, X 103.9, Big Two Toyota, Brooksies Propane, McReynolds Farm and Alliance Beverage Distribution.