Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

Victorian Square in Sparks is the site of the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, one of the biggest and best events around Reno / Tahoe. Rib cooking teams from around the world compete for the best ribs trophy while we get to have fun and enjoy some mighty tasty eating. The 2009 Rib Cook-Off runs from September 2 through September 7. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.

A Rib Cook-Off Kids' Area will be up and running from Friday through Monday. It's their place for kid oriented fun and your place to let them run off some steam while you take a break.

What is the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off?

Think lots of good food (mostly BBQ pork ribs, of course) and drink, five stages of entertainment, numerous vendors of various wares, and a fun atmosphere in Victorian Square and you've got the general idea. This 21st year of the event should be as good as or better than cook-offs I have attended, and those were a kick.

This is serious business for the rib cookers, though. Lest you think they are all here just to serve BBQ to the crowd, check out the big trophies displayed by all the teams. They also brag about their wins on banners surrounding their stalls. They are furiously competing for the taste buds of judges and the public, hoping to cook their way to another trophy and the top cash prize of $7,500. Review the Rib Cook-Off judges and you'll see how serious the competition is.

Another part of the competition is the People's Choice Award, given to the cooker who garners the most votes from the public. You can volunteer to help the City of Sparks administer the voting by calling (775) 353-7816.

Big Entertainment at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

The Main Stage on Victorian Square will feature the biggest shows, including performances by The Saddle Tramps and Johnny Lang. See the complete Rib Cook-Off entertainment schedule to find out who else is playing when and where.

Parking and Shuttles at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

With an estimated 500,000 people showing up, you know traffic and parking will be a big hassle. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Victorian Square is limited, so you are probably better off not to even try. Instead, park at either Reed High School, 1350 Baring Blvd. in Sparks, or Wooster High School, 1331 E. Plumb Lane in Reno, and ride the free shuttle to the event all day and into the evening. Shuttles will run from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There's no shuttle service on Monday.

Source: Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off website.