Mark S. Cookson, Alderman-at-Large

IF YOU GO

The 8th Annual Nashua West Rotary Rock ’N Ribfest
WHEN: June 11, 4p – 11p; June 12, 11a – 11p; June13, 11a – 4p.
WHERE: Anheuser-Busch, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack.
COST: Admission is $5. Children younger than 8 are free.
MORE INFORMATION: Call 595-1202 or visit www.rotaryribfest.org.

By ERIC STANWAY
Correspondent

As just about anyone will attest, barbecue and rock ’n’ roll make a natural match.

It’s a premise that will be proved yet again on the weekend of June 11-13 as Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack hosts the eighth annual Rock ’N Ribfest, sponsored by Nashua Rotary West.

Nationally renowned ribbers will put their best spatula forward in hopes of taking home the grand prize at the New Hampshire State Barbecue Championships. Accompanying this frenzied smokefest will be music from a good half-dozen local bands, along with hot-air balloon rides, wildlife encounters, race cars and antique fire trucks.

If that weren’t enough, the Manchester Monarchs and New Hampshire Fisher Cats mascots will put in appearances on all three days.

As the ribfest is the official site for the New Hampshire State Barbecue Championships, judges will be sampling offerings from more than 30 of the Northeast’s best grillers and selecting the state champion, who qualifies for the national championships in the fall.