On June 12-13, tens of thousands of barbecue fanatics will descend on Madison Square Park in Manhattan for the 8th annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party.  A welcomed addition to New York's now booming authentic barbecue scene, the event features established pit masters from across the country including Mike Mills, Garry Roark, Chris Lilly, Myron Mixon* and more cooking up everything from whole hog to mutton.  Check out our discussion with some of the cooks below as well as the entire 411 on this huge annual event.

* We have learned that Myron will be at home doing a cooking class this weekend but will be sending representatives instead

What is the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party?

The BigApple Barbecue is an annual weekend-long event in June that bringstogether the country’s top pitmasters who cook up their award-winningfood for over a hundred thousand barbecue enthusiasts in and aroundMadison Square Park. Attracting people near and far to celebrateAmerica’s authentic culinary and musical traditions, the event alsoincludes a fantastic line up of music, seminars, cooking demos,merchandise and more.

What is a pitmaster?

Apitmaster is a barbecue chef who cooks up the most delicious ‘cue. Atthe event, you’ll have the opportunity to sample ‘cue from the nation’stop, award-winning pitmasters from the bbq capitals (Texas, NorthCarolina, Alabama, Illinois and more!)

How much does it cost to attend the event?

Thereis no charge to attend. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of theevent – from great live music to engaging seminars and demonstrations –without ever dropping a dollar. Of course, it’s near impossible toresist the delicious offerings for sale at the event: the country’sbest barbecue from top pitmasters ($8 per plate), a great selection ofbeverages and desserts ($4 – $6) and fun ‘cue merchandise includingsauces, cookbooks, t-shirts and more (prices vary).

Where do I purchase tickets? How do I purchase food and beverages at the event?

TheBig Apple Barbecue Block Party is not a ticketed event; admission isfree. Plates of barbecue are sold directly at the pitmaster’s rigs, andflags indicate the beginning of the line for each purveyor. Only cash(and FastPasses) will be accepted. Guests can also choose to purchase aFastPass by May 31. A FastPass includes $100 retail valueredeemable for food, beverage and merchandise, and guarantees exclusiveaccess for the holder and one guest to express lines throughout theweekend.

How can I avoid the longest lines?

Withover 100,000 people attending the event to enjoy the country’s best‘cue, lines are a reality. To avoid the longest lines, purchase a fastpass and/or get to the event early. At least you’ll be in beautifulMadison Square Park, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of afantastic event with fellow ‘cue fans.

What culinary offerings can I expect to find at the event?

TheBig Apple Barbecue Block Party offers mouthwatering barbecue andauthentic Southern specialties to down-home desserts and a bevy ofbeverages.

Do I need to purchase a ticket to attend the seminars or demonstrations?

No.Seminars and demonstrations are free and available on a first-come,first-served basis. We recommend arriving fifteen minutes before aprogram is set to begin for best seating.

Where do Book Signings take place?

Visitthe Seminar Tent (located on 25th Street, directly off of MadisonAvenue) for book sales and signings. Don’t miss your favorite ‘cueexperts as they greet fans and sign books immediately followingseminars and demonstrations.

Where can I purchase Big Apple Barbecue Block Party Merchandise?

Visitthe Merchandise Tent (located in Madison Square Park between the BeerGarden and the Main Stage) to check out our smokin’ ‘cue merchandise.

Where is the event located?

Madison Square Park (between 23rd and 26th Streets, and 5th Ave. and Madison Ave.)
Madison Avenue between 23rd and 26th Street.

Subway:
6 to 23rd Street
N/R to 23rd Street

Parking:
SW Corner of 28th Street & Park Ave. S.
24th Street between Park Ave. S. & Lexington Ave.
30th Street between 5th Ave. & Madison Ave.

Is the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party a charity event?

The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is proud to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy,the organization responsible for the beauty, ongoing maintenance, andprogramming of this historic park. In 2009, the event generated$100,000 for the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

- SmokeInDaEye.com , Home of Bigger, Badder, Bolder Competition BBQ(c)