Get ready for the sights, sounds, smells and delicious flavors of New York City’s much-beloved barbecue extravaganza. Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, Blue Smoke and Jazz Standard proudly announce dates for the 8th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party: June 12 – 13th, 2010. Join the crowds in beautiful Madison Square Park and surrounding streets for another BABBPunforgettable weekend of great food, music and festivities.

FastPasses are on sale now for $125 each at www.bigapplebbq.org — which  includes a $100 value redeemable for food, beverage and merchandise and guarantees exclusive access to express lines for the FastPass holder and one guest throughout the weekend. A limited number of FastPasses are available so get them while they’re hot!

In addition to serving up the best regional barbecue from the nation’s top pitmasters for only $8/plate, the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party also offers  live music, seminars, cooking demos and book signings with the ’cue experts – all free.

This year’s sponsors include Every Day with Rachael Ray, American Express, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Coca-Cola, Dancing Bull, Delta Air Lines, Heartland Brewery, Hotel Roger Williams, Ikea, Maker’s Mark, Royal Oak, Stubb’s, The Other White Meat, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Madison Square Park Conservancy.

In 2009, over 125,000 attendees enjoyed great live music and mouthwatering ’cue throughout the two-day long event. Last year the Snapple Big Apple Barbecue Block Party raised $100,000 for the Madison Square Park Conservancy that develops the park’s programming, maintenance, security and horticulture. In 2010, a portion of the event proceeds will once again benefit the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

Save the date and let the countdown begin!

For general inquiries, contact the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party Hotline: (646) 747-0584 or info@bigapplebbq.org

– Guest contributor.