Merrimack Chamber Of Commerce: RibFest Is Back!

Press release from the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce:

MERRIMACK, NH – After a 2-year absence, the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival (www.GreatAmericanRibfest.com) returns during its new dates of July 15-17 to Anheuser-Busch Brewery (221 Daniel Webster Hwy) in Merrimack, NH. Ribfest features great BBQ and other foods, great original live music, great beer, and great family fun – all to support the Merrimack Rotary Club. More than 15,000 attendees are expected.

“We are so excited to see this great community event return and raise some much-needed funds for local charities,” said Robert Best, past president of Merrimack Rotary. “Proceeds from the weekend help us support college scholarships for local youths, Coats for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, three local food pantries, Pure Water for the World, and many other important causes. People can have a great time and support their local community too!”

Ribfest’s 30 food vendors will offer ribs and barbeque, of course, but also empanadas, tacos, Asian fusion, lobster rolls, grilled cheese, hot dogs and burgers, chicken, pretzels, fries and more. And don’t forget dessert with ice cream, donuts, cannoli, kettle corn, fried dough and even cotton candy!

A diverse selection of original bands from throughout the region will play all weekend.

FRIDAY, July 15
4:30-6:00pm James McCarthy (pop)
6:30-8:00pm Chris Fitz Band with Special Guest Hammond B3 Master Ken Clark (blues)
SATURDAY, July 16
10:30-11:30am Gadabout (indie rock)
12:00-1:30pm Best Not Broken (pop/rock)
2:00-3:30pm Ben Cote Band (hard rock)
4:00-5:30pm Nick Drouin (country/rock)
6:00-7:30pm The Gravel Project (blues)
SUNDAY, July 17
11:00am-12:30pm Supernothing (reggae/rock)
1:00-2:30pm Lexi James (country)
3:00-4:30pm Feverslip (hard rock)
5:00-6:30pm Southern Yankee (country)

Family activities include the Daniel Webster BSA Council’s Mobile Base Camp, including an inflatable archery range, Spike Ball, Gaga Ball pit, Soccer Darts, and backyard bass fishing activity. In addition, The Rugged Axe will offer axe throwing, face painting will be available from Trading Faces, and Bedford Martial Arts will be giving free demonstrations.

Ribfest hours run 4:30pm-8:00pm Friday, 10:00am-8:00pm Saturday, and 11:00am-7:00pm Sunday. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets, including a limited number of VIP tickets, are available online or at the gate, but prices do increase on-site.

Guests can bring: folding lawn/camp chairs, blankets to place on the ground, and (1) bottle of water in a sealed container, but need to leave everything else at home, including pets (excluding service animals), outside food and beverages, and weapons.

No shuttles will be available, so guests need to pay for parking at the Brewery ($20, on-site) or Elbit Systems ($10, across the street), or use a rideshare service for drop-off and pick-up. Street parking along Daniel Webster Highway is NOT allowed and vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.

“It takes a lot of effort to put on an event of this scale,” Best said, “so we greatly appreciate our partners at Anheuser-Busch and the Biergarten for hosting us. We also thank our sponsors and supporters in the local community including USA Insulation, US Cellular, InnSeason Resorts, T-Mobile, 92.5 The River radio, and Flush Services.”

To buy tickets (including VIP) and parking passes, or to get more information, visit GreatAmericanRibfest.com.

This press release was produced by the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.