Mesquite, Nev. (Aug. 17, 2017) – Mesquite Gaming, owner of Casablanca Resort and Virgin River Hotel, hosts its all-new CasaBlanca BBQ Fest with finger-lickin’ ribs and other delectable eats Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017. Rejoicing in the art of barbecue, the celebrated weekend is jam-packed with award-winning vendors including Austin Texas Lightning, Chicago BBQ Company and Texas Outlaw BBQ, as well as events and entertainment for the entire family.
“For the all-new CasaBlanca BBQ Fest, we’ve focused on high-quality, award-winning barbecue vendors to showcase their talents and serve guests with incredible food,” said Christian Adderson, corporate sales manager at Mesquite Gaming. “In addition, we’ve incorporated kid-friendly activities, tailgate-style games and eating contests to expand on the footprint of this long-time favorite community event.”
With more than 30 years of cooking experience, Nikki Ferguson and her team from Austin Texas Lightning BBQ have traveled coast to coast, winning numerous awards on both the national and local level of rib competitions. Accolades include two-time winner of ‘Best Ribs’ and two-time ‘People’s Choice’ winner at “Ribs on the River” in addition to first place ‘Best Ribs’ winner at “Mankato Rib fest.”
Chicago BBQ Company owner and BBQ expert Tom Ferguson had a vision of creating Chicago’s ultimate BBQ experience. In 1985 Ferguson began competing in national rib cook-offs. One year later, in 1986, he won the title of ‘Best Ribs In The World’ at the “Richmond World Invitational Rib Cook-Off” and has been going strong ever since with more than 300 national and local competition awards. Ferguson also has the bragging rights of winning more than 10 awards at the “Nugget Best Of The West Rib Cook-Off.”
Best known for its ribs, Texas Outlaw BBQ boasts more than 250 first place awards in its 25 years. Awards include five-time, first place winner at “Naperville Rib Fest,” five-time, first place winner at the “Nugget Best in the West Rib Cook-Off” and the only team to take first place at “Pig in the Pines” five times.
CasaBlanca BBQ Fest events and activities schedule:
Friday, Sept. 8:
CasaBlanca Events Center
1 – 7 p.m.:
- Barbeque and carnival-style food vendors
- Live music with DJ Jimmy Z, children’s pie and watermelon eating contests, prize giveaways
- Beer garden with tailgate activities and games
CasaBlanca Showroom
8:30 p.m.
“Turn the Page” Bob Seger Tribute. Must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available online at www.mesquitegaming.com, by phone at 800-585-3737 or in-person at the CasaBlanca Resort front desk.
Saturday, Sept. 9:
CasaBlanca Events Center
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
- Barbeque and carnival-style food vendors
- Live music with DJ Jimmy Z, children’s pie and watermelon eating contests, prize giveaways
- Beer garden with tailgate activities and games
CasaBlanca Showroom
Noon – 12:45 p.m.
Seth Grabel Magician Variety Show. Free and open to the public. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
2 – 2:45 p.m.
Seth Grabel Magician Variety Show. Free to the Public. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
8:30 p.m.
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers- Tribute to ZZ Top. Must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are available online at www.mesquitegaming.com, by phone at 800-585-3737 or in-person at the CasaBlanca Resort front desk.
Sunday, Sept. 10:
CasaBlanca Events Center
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.:
- Barbeque and carnival-style food vendors
- Live music with DJ Jimmy Z, children’s pie and watermelon eating contests, prize giveaways
- Beer garden with tailgate activities and games
CasaBlanca BBQ Fest runs from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. The event is free and open to the public. Special hotel rates are available at CasaBlanca Resort. Book online or by calling 702-345-6789. Mention code 1BBQ8.