The 27th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off will run Wednesday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 7, at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks.
The barbecue, music and craft festival is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. Admission, parking and entertainment are free.
“The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is the largest barbecue festival of its kind in the country,” said Nugget President & CEO Carlton Geer. “We’re proud to offer people the opportunity to experience the best barbecue in the world, right here in Sparks.”
More than 500,000 visitors and 240,000 pounds of ribs were served in 2014. The wide variety of activities, including the Nugget World Rib Eating Championship, a carnival area with rides and activities, and entertainment – not to mention the barbecue – all come together to draw thousands of people to Victorian Square every extended Labor Day weekend.
Rib Cookers
A total of 24 of the world’s most talented rib cookers will feed event goers, while competing for a total cash purse of $14,500 and the title of “Best in the West” – a designation many cookers consider to be the ultimate prize in competitive barbecue.
In 2014, Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Company from Hinckley, Ohio, took home the title of “Best in the West.” Second place went to Bone Daddy’s BBQ from Midland, Mich., and Famous Dave’s competitive barbecue team from Minnetonka, Minn., won third place. The 2014 People’s Choice Award was given to Back Forty Texas Barbecue from Pleasant Hill, Calif.
Nugget World Rib Eating Championship
Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. at the Main Stage
Major League Eating (MLE), the governing body of all stomach-centric sports, will host the 10th annual Nugget World Rib Eating Championship. The country’s best competitive eaters, including No. 1-ranked Matt “Megatoad” Stonie and No. 2-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, will vie for $5,000 in prize money and the title of Nugget World Rib-Eating Champion.
Entertainment
The Nugget Casino Resort will welcome musicians to be a big part of the celebration. All of the entertainment is provided free-of-charge.
Wednesday, Sept. 2:
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Jeff Jones
2:30 p.m. – 5: 30 p.m. – Blue Haven
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Alias Smith
7 p.m. – Main Stage: Mojo Green & Jelly Bread
Thursday, Sept. 3
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Tyler Stafford
2:30 p.m. – 5: 30 p.m. – Valentine Rodeo
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Buddy Emmer
7 p.m. – Main Stage: Jamestown Revival
Friday, Sept. 4
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Rick Hammond Blues Band
2:30 p.m. – 5: 30 p.m. – Jason King Band
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – John Dawson Band
7 p.m. – Main Stage: Dishwalla
Saturday, Sept. 5
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Guitar Woody and the Boilers
2:30 p.m. – 5: 30 p.m. – Greg Golden Band
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Mark Sexton Band
7 p.m. – Main Stage: LOCASH
Sunday, Sept. 6
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Max Volume Band
2:30 p.m. – 5: 30 p.m. – Audio Sky
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – West Bay Rhythm
7 p.m. – Main Stage: Foghat
Monday, Sept. 7
Floor & Décor West End Stage –
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Delta Cat
2:00 p.m.– Awards Ceremony
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Armer and the Hot Dogs
7 p.m. – Main Stage: ALO
Shuttle Service
Daily shuttle service from the Outlets at Legends will run Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. There is no shuttle service on Monday. The pickup location will be in the unpaved lot between Fuddruckers and Popeye’s, and the drop-off location is the RTC Centennial Plaza on Victorian Square.
New Beer Garden
The Nugget Casino Resort is partnering with Budweiser to bring a brand new craft Beer Garden area to the rib cook-off. The Beer Garden will be located on Victorian Plaza, near the fountain. Craft beers have grown in popularity, and attendees have been asking the Nugget to expand its selection at the event.
Kids’ Area
There will be a children’s area located on the west end of Victorian Plaza. Ride tickets will be available for purchase just outside the kids’ area.
Mascot
The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off’s mascot, Mr. Ribster, will return to the event this year. He will be walking around during the event and making a special appearance at the Ribster Lunch on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.NuggetRibCookOff.com.
For more information, visit NuggetRibCookOff.com and NuggetCasinoResort.com.
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