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Enjoy the 2017 Nugget Rib Cook-Off

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About the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

The 2017 Nugget Rib Cook-Off runs from Wednesday, August 30 through Monday, September 4. Nugget Rib Cook-Off hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Nugget Rib Cook-Off is really a cooking competition between the professional barbeque teams that will also be serving ribs and fixins to the public during the event. The top rib cookers according to a team of judges receive cash prizes and trophies. There is also a People's Choice Award, selected by the crowds of regular rib eaters. Cast your ballot at the People's Choice Voting Booth, located under the gazebo on the corner of 11th Street and Victorian Avenue.

Admission to the Nugget Rib Cook-Off and parking are free. However, you can purchase tickets to the Rib Village as a treat for yourself or a group. This involves all-you-can-eat ribs from every rib vendor at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off, plus side dishes, dessert and all-you-can-responsibly drink beverages, including beer and wine.

No Pets: Dogs and any other non-service animals are not permitted on Victorian Square during the Nugget Rib Cook-Off.

Carson City BBQ at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Photo © Stan White

Activities and Events at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off

Most things at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off involve eating barbecue ribs and enjoying various beverages. However, there are other things to see and do for all ages, including Crafter's Crossing, a kids' area with rides and activities, and a Beer Garden.

The big Kids' Area has carnival rides and inflatable games, rides, and slides. Tickets are $1 each. Multiple tickets purchased at once come with discounts.

The annual World Rib Eating Championship features some of the world's top professional competitive eaters. Last year, competitive eater Matt "The Megatoad" Stonie consumed 10.5 pounds of ribs during the 12 minute contest. He beat long-time champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, who had won every year (except 2009) since 2006. If you can stand to watch, the contest will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. on the Main Concert Stage. This is an official event of Major League Eating and offers $5000 in prize money.

Free Entertainment at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off

There will be free entertainment every day at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Here are the scheduled Main Stage shows.

• The Rocket Man Show, Elton John Tribute - August 31, 7 p.m.
• The Garage Boys - September 1, 7 p.m.
• Vertical Horizon - September 2, 7 p.m.
• Jessie James Decker - September 3, 7 p.m.
• Eddie Money - September 4, 7 p.m.
• The Original Wailers - September 5, 3 p.m.

Parking & Shuttles for the Nugget Rib Cook-Off

Over 500,000 people attend the Nugget Rib Cook-Off, making parking an issue. There is free but limited parking around Victorian Square. Some of this includes residential areas, so please be courteous to the people who live there. The better option is to ride the free shuttles from either of two locations.

Iron Horse Shopping Center – 505 E. Prater Way in Sparks - Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Reno-Sparks Convention Center – Parking Lot on corner of Coliseum Way and Peckham Lane in Reno - Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You can also ride the RTC public bus system to Centennial Plaza from many other locations throughout the Reno / Sparks area.

Chef working on his ribs at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. Photo © Stan White

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

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