Just a (Not So) Small Backyard Gathering

UPDATE: Grill and barbecue competition winners have been added at the bottom of the story.

Randy Smith was all smiles this weekend as thousands of people spilled across the grounds of the Anheuser-Busch brewery soaking up the sun, fun and food that made up this year's Rock'n Ribfest.

"Welcome to my backyard party," Smith said, spreading his arms wide.

And a party it was. 

Ribfest revelers danced under the sun, tossed frisbees, browsed vendor booths, played on inflatable rides and noshed on barbecue for three days, much to the delight of Smith.

"What do I like the most about this?" Smith asked. He pointed to children and parents playing in the grass and a group of people dancing to one of several bands lined up to play during the weekend event that was expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees. "This is exactly what we want."

And Erin Pittorino of Marlborough, Mass. said that was exactly why she was there with her kids. Pittorino's friend Michelle Arborgast, of Amherst, has been telling her for years they should make the drive up because it was a great family event.

On Saturday, Pittorino made that trip with her two kids, joining Arborgast's family for a few hours of quality Ribfest flair.

"It's a lot of fun," she said. "Great food, and there's a lot of activities for the kids."

Arborgast had only a few seconds to say that it was her fourth year attending the event before being interrupted by the sound of Rob Holland's MX2 rocketing through the sky above the festival and her son tugging at her hand to go watch.

The 10-15 minute air show, performed multiple times over the weekend, drew a huge crowd with eyes skyward as the plane zoomed back and forth across the grounds, dipping behind the trees, shooting straight up into the air and hanging for seconds, seemingly suspended in time, before corkscrewing its way back toward Earth.

The games, and rides, demos, face-painting, clowns and so much more, while a big part of the weekend, were really just a part of it. For food aficionados, there were a couple other reasons to be there -- the barbecue and the cooking competitions.

Basting pork ribs in sauce over an open flame, Bill Christine, co-owner of Smoke'n Dudes Barbeque and Co., said he and his dad, co-owner Tom, really enjoy the event.

Tom Christine said he and his son take their Bensalem, Pa., company on the road traveling the coast cooking at shows every summer. This being their seventh time at Ribfest he said they come back year after year for one reason.

"It's a good venue. The people are really nice up here," Tom Christine said. "It's just awesome."

The pair, and their helpers, came prepared with plenty of meat to get them through the weekend, including more than 1,400 racks of ribs, 800 pounds of pork and 600 pounds of brisket.

"We don't run out," Tom Christine said. "That's not our job."

For Ribfest favorite Troy Hamele, owner of T-Roy's Hickory Smoked Barbecue, it's more of the same.

Hamele said he knows that when he comes back each year, he's going to find a jovial atmosphere with nice people, good music, good food and plenty for everyone to do.

It's also Hamele's seventh year at Ribfest, and for three of the last four years, he's earned the popular vote in the People's Choice rib competition.

"I take a lot of pride in what I do to cook these ribs," Hamele said.

Hamele, a general manager at the Longhorn Steakhouse in Manchester, says he barbecues as a hobby. But don't let that fool you into thinking he isn't just as serious about what he cooks up as the other professional ribbers.

"I'll take my ribs against theirs any day of the week," he said.

And for those competing in the 42-contestant barbecuing and grilling competitions, the camaraderie, atmosphere, and of course, the potential prize is the draw.

Chris and Joan Clegg, of ZBQ BBQ out of Rhode Island, were spending their anniversary weekend on the grounds, camping out, grilling and enjoying the company of others during the cook offs on Saturday and Sunday. 

The couple came in eighth in the barbecue competition last year, and this year were hoping for a win.

They participate in as many competitions as they can, but this one is important, Chris Clegg said, because its the only Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event in New Hampshire, which means the grand champion earns an automatic berth into the Jack Daniel's World Championship competition in Lynchburg, Tenn.

Still, they are in it for the fun of it, Chris Clegg said.

And that is just what Smith, the event coordinator likes to hear. He said the event, while similar each year, features new things that help keep it fresh, and keeps people coming back year after year.

"We are constantly changing it, it is constantly new, so it is never old hat," Smith said.

New Hampshire State Grilling Championship

Overall Grand Champion:  Smokin Hoggz BBQ.  Team captain:  Bill Gillespie of Arlington, Mass.

Reserve Champion: Lakeside Smokers.  Team captain: Mike Boisvert of Methuen, Mass.

Shrimp Champion: Yabba Dabba Que.  Team captain: Eric Mitchel of Bedford.

Fish Filet Champion:  Lakeside Smokers. Team captain: Mike Boisvert of Methuen, Mass.

Sausage Champion:  Shoot to Grill.  Team captain: Andre Martineau of Roxbury.

Pizza Champion: Feeding FriendZ.  Team captain: Jim/Wendy Boucher of Deerfield.

New Hampshire State Barbecue Championship

Overall Grand Champion: Smokin Hoggz BBQ. Team captain: Bill Gillespie of Arlington, Mass.

Reserve Champion: Lo'-N-Slo' BBQ.   Team captain: Tom Perelke of  New Providence, Pa.

Chicken Champion: Fat Back Joe's.  Team captain: Joe Boyd of Hampton, Mass.

Pork Ribs Champion: Mighty Swine Dining.  Team captain: Charlie Cicero of Hudson.

Pork Shoulder Champion: Smokin Hoggz BBQ. Team captain: Bill Gillespie of Arlington, Mass.

Beef Brisket Champion: Lo'-N-Slo' BBQ. Team captain: Tom Perelke of New Providence, Pa.