MERRIMACK — Barbecue lovers rejoiced Saturday as they gorged on finger-licking good ribs and lip-smacking pulled pork.

Wash it down with a little beer and you have the best of what Rock'n Ribfest 2012 has to offer this weekend at the grounds of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

A record-breaking number of patrons were expected to visit the 10th annual barbecue festival on Saturday, as a large crowd was already waiting to get inside before its 11 a.m. opening.

“This is the official kickoff to summer. We come every year, get our ribs early and let the kids play all day,” said Dan Bergen of Merrimack, while sucking the bones clean from a rack of ribs. “The meat is just falling off the bone. It is so good.”

Nine professional rib vendors were on hand providing a variety of barbecue sauces and delicious grilled meats to a crowd expected to hit about 20,000 by Saturday night. And, more than 40 competitors were trying their luck in the New Hampshire Barbecue Championship held simultaneously with the ribfest.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Nashua West and sponsored in part by the New Hampshire Union Leader, about 1,000 volunteers helped ensure a successful and wildly fun family event that started on Friday and concludes today.

“All of the professional ribbers compete for the People's Favorite Choice Awards for the best ribs. They each have their own special bragging rights,” said Betsy Abrahams, vice-president of the rotary and volunteer coordinator for the ribfest. “This really is all about the food.”

Ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, hot sausage and dozens of other food options were keeping visitors happy on Saturday, including Chris Dearborn of New Boston, who joked that he would eat until being carried away on a stretcher.

“We come every year, and every year the ribs are excellent,” Dearborn said, as he wiped barbecue sauce from his mouth. “There are a lot of new things this year, too, with lots of really different sauces.”

The rib vendors hail from all over New England, including T-Roy's Hickory Smoked Barbecue from Amherst, which has won the People's Choice award for best ribs three times in the past 10 years.

Troy Hamele, owner, was up at 2 a.m. preparing ribs for Saturday's event. Although the award trophy is nice to have, Hamele said Rock'N Ribfest is really about promoting the rotary and helping to raise funds for local charities.

“And of course, enjoying the amazing food,” he said, adding the Hamele family is passionate about offering up good ribs, good service and a lot of fun.

Other vendors include Big Moe's M&M Ribs, Rasta Joe's BBQ, Aussom Aussie, Firefly's, Jack's Down Home BBQ, Gator BBQ Co., Smoke'N Dudes and newcomer this year, Firebox.

“I plan to stay until I'm full,” said Eric Stepno of Bedford, who says it is an annual traditional to visit Rock'N Ribfest. On Friday, about 4,200 patrons walked through the gates at ribfest, which was down slightly from prior years. However, organizers anticipated to make up the difference on Saturday and Sunday because of the beautiful weather and large crowds traveling from the new Merrimack Premium Outlets.

“It is really double the fun. We have been gearing up for about 35,000 people this weekend,” said Abrahams.

Ali Mahfuz of Nashua brought his mother to the outlets early on Saturday morning, and then took a shuttle bus to the ribfest for lunch. It was his first time to the ribfest, and said it was a great experience for both of them, who took home extras for dinner.

To wash down all of the barbecued favorites, organizers said about 24 kegs of beer were tapped on Friday, and estimated close to 200 kegs would be emptied on Saturday and an additional 50 on Sunday.

The ribfest continues today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 at the gate, and children under 8 are admitted for free.

Again this year is a Military Appreciation Day, which will take place today. Free admission will be available for active military members with their military identification, and up to four family members.

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Kimberly Houghton may be reached at khoughton@newstote.com.