Reno Rib Cook-Off 2007

Wednesday.  Aug 29,2007

A friend of mine called me and told me that a local band was playing in the Annual Labor Day Weekend Reno Rib Cook Off. It was being held in front of the John Ascuaga's Nugget. A few minutes away from Downtown Reno. 

I phoned my folks to get ready and make sure to 'prepare' hungry.

This year twenty-four barbecue teams from all over the country,and hundreds of thousands of visitors visit Sparks and John Ascuaga's Nugget for the six-day event that is widely considered the biggest, most prestigious rib-cooking event in the United States.

I have never seen this much people in Sparks! It is estimated that 100,000 tons of ribs were served to an estimated 500,000 people. 

If you are not a fan of BBQ ribs. Don't fret, there is free live music. Tonight Sol jibe was playing, a local favorite whose music is a mixture of Latin and Cuban mixed with funk and rock( Their main instrument was an electric violin) . 

You also have the farmer's market where you can buy fresh veggies and fruits. They even have craft booths for the kids. Returning to this year's cook-off is the second best in the West Nugget World Rib Eating Championships. The country's best competitive eaters will vie for $5,000 and the title of World Champion.

Last year's winner,  Joey Chestnut, is expected to attend, along with more than one dozen other top-flight athletes.

You will never get bored in this event.

Atmosphere is family-friendly. The live music actually ends before 10pm. So as not to encourage the young people to stay too late.

I feel privileged to have these kinds of events practically in our backyard, while others travel hundreds of miles just to enjoy this very special event.

Reno-Sparks is truly living to its name of 'The biggest little city in the world."