Rochester Main Street is a group of volunteers and downtown business owners who gather together to support some fantastic events designed to bring people together in a community way, with music, food, and lots of community pride and spirit. Proceeds from different events hosted by the volunteer based organization go toward bringing area residents into the downtown area, keeping the town center bustling and full of life and great business opportunities.
On Saturday, July 18, 2015, the Rochester Main Street organization hosted the 4th Annual Rochester Blues Fest and BBQ Contest.
Blues singer / songwriter Kerri Powers ROCKED downtown Rochester NH,
receiving the most crowd support and applause of the day.
Photo by Deborah Dorey Wilson
More than 20 groups, businesses and craft vendors lined the River Walk area of Main Street, many offering samples, coupons and raffles, and the music stage (a ramp truck provided by Rochester Truck) provided 6 different groups of musicians performing some fantastic blues favorites and originals.
Rochester NH Main St was closed to traffic for the Rochester Blues Fest
Photo by Deborah Dorey Wilson
Newcomers this year, The Bearded Sinners of New Hampshire, left many people asking questions as to why they had been included in a family style festival. Despite their "biker" looks, the group actually is a major local fundraising organization with chapters in 23 states and also in the UK and Australia. The Bearded Sinners strive to support anything and everything local, including Businesses, Music, Art, Culture,and most importantly, people they call Neighbors in the Communities they call home.
Look for the Bearded Sinners at many local events, food drives, concerts and benefit events!!
Look for the Bearded Sinners at many local events, food drives, concerts and benefit events!!
Their mission statement includes the following: "We give because we love. We give because we care and the only we profit we receive is the satisfaction of knowing that we've made a difference in someone's life. Hugs or handshakes, the thankful smiles of children are what drives us to give back and lend a helping hand. We work tirelessly to better our communities and represent the Bearded Sinners name as the best, THE ONLY club of our type that does what we do."
Family friendly? You betcha!! The group was able to raise over $100 today to benefit "End 68 Hour of Hunger".
Deborah Wilson with Zac Powers, member of The Bearded Sinners of New Hampshire
Photo with thanks from Vicki Fortin
There were only 3 entries in the BBQ Contest, Happy Pappy's Country Store from Portland St, Lilac City Grille and Revolution TapRoom & Grill, both from Main Street. Each offered three choices, one each in the categories of BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef Brisket, and BBQ Pulled Pork. There were no entries in the BBQ Ribs Category.
All the selections were amazing, but it was the Lilac City Grille that took home top honors with first place finishes for BBQ Chiken, Pulled Pork, and the Award for People's Choice for Best BBQ.
Revolution TapRoom & Grill won the first place finish for BBQ Beef Brisket.
Owners of the Lilac City Grille and Revolution TapRoom & Grill
took home top honors in the BBQ Contest. Photo by Deborah Dorey Wilson
Barbecue Judges were provided by Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA
Photo by Deborah Dorey Wilson
Independent Barbecue Judges were provided by the Certified Public Accounting Firm of Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, PA, who have offices in Dover, Wolfeboro, Stratham, North Conway and Concord. They must have had a difficult time judging as all of the entries were absolutely delicious!!
Mike the Art Guy (Mike Dolan) created many beautiful paintings.
Photo trio by Deborah Dorey Wilson
Spray Paint Artist, Mike Dolan (aka Mike the Art Guy) was the vendor booth that held the most crowd attention with a constant crowd of people watching as Dolan, with only a few applications from various colors of spray paint, created beautiful works of art. His work was nothing short of amazing and Festival-goers stood, awestruck, as painting after painting were crafted.
As the day came to a close, vendors all said that they were very happy with the turnout of the event and all that we spoke to said that they had hopes of returning again next year!!
The Rochester Main Street Group have a hit on their hands with the Rochester Blues Fest. Wonderful Music, Family Fun, and Delicious BBQ. What more could you ask for on a Summer day in Rochester, NH??
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