The streets of downtown Ridgefield will be filled with the savory aromas, sights and sounds of real pit bosses on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4, for the Ridgefield Gone Country Barbecue Festival.
For the first time, Ridgefield is hosting two national barbecue competitions, and the grounds of the Community Center at the Lounsbury House will be transformed into a carnival with food, entertainment, games, rides, live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Organizers said thousands are expected to attend the two-day festival organized and benefiting the Ridgefield Rotary and Ridgefield Community Center.
“Everyone’s invited to enjoy the thrill of the grill,” said Rich Vazzana, chairman of the event and president of the community center. “There will be something for every taste and every age.”
Food vendors will be offering barbecue selections, burgers, pizza and pasta, smoothies and ices, potatoes, cheese, and wine. There will also be a farmers’ market on-site.
A carnival game company will provide games and prizes. Rides will include a merry-go-round, teacups, a Ferris wheel, and even a mechanical bull.
Several businesses have donated items for the event, including generators from Ridgefield Hardware, hoses from Keough’s, popcorn and a photo booth from the Prospector Theater, and entertainment from Ridgefield Academy.
The New England BBQ Society competition will take place all day Saturday, and the Kansas City BBQ Society will compete on Sunday.
KCBS is described as the largest nonprofit group dedicated to the art of hardwood smoking, and sanctions several hundred contests each year. NEBS offers New England grillers the opportunity to learn Southern-style barbecue techniques, whether using wood, charcoal or even gas.
Nearly 20 teams will be vying for trophies and cash prizes in categories including pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and even pizza.
Competition rules prohibit participants from selling their entries to the public, but there will be plenty of other BBQ available. Winners will be announced each day at 4 p.m.
“It’s a great weekend to be in Ridgefield,” Mr. Vazzana said. “Everyone can swine, dine and unwind, all in one place.”
Saturday’s hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Radio station KICKS 105.5 will do a live remote broadcast from 2 to 4. Live music throughout the day includes bluegrass duo Tasha & G, classic and pop rock band JAM Theory, and bluegrass band the Bandolins. The evening’s featured band will be Candlewood, a Southern and classic rock band from New Fairfield.
Sunday’s hours are 11 to 5. Classic rock artist Georgie Brennan will perform along with Mojo Filtered. Artie Tobia will close out the festival.
Vendors and entertainment are being added regularly. For more information, visit ridgefieldbbqct.com.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students 12 to 18. Children under 12 are admitted free. Proceeds will go to the nonprofit Ridgefield Rotary and Ridgefield Community Center.