Harrison Thorp
Friday, June 26, 2015 9:39 am

TAKE YOUR PRILOSEC: Some of the world's best barbecue will be there along with plenty of beer, too. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Nothing goes together like country music and barbecue, and Northern Seacoast residents will get to sample some of the best of both this weekend at the Phantom Gourmet BBQ & Country Music Festival at the Rochester Fairgrounds.

Starting today at 11 a.m. (when you can get in free) some of the best barbecue teams from Australia to Texas will be firing up their grills in a head-to-head battle to see whose is the finger-licking best.

Country bands from Nashville, Tenn., and all over will be putting on shows throughout the weekend, which will be highlighted by a Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a qualifier for the Coney Island world championship.

There will also be a mechanical bull riding competition and pig racing.

Beer and wine gardens will be available throughout the event.

The hours on Friday and Saturday are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is complimentary on Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $5 during all other operating hours.

Children under 10 are free, and parking is also free. Overnight camping and RV sites are available.

For more information go to www.festevents.com.