Labor Day Rib Cook-Off Attracts Visitors to Sparks
The Nugget Rib Cook-Off isn’t just for the hearty eaters either. There are special events including and Arts & Crafts area that will have 200 booths displaying their wares. This section will be located at the intersection of 14th Street and Victorian Avenue and a second location at Pyramid Way and Victorian. There will also be a kid section where featured events include the Treasure of the Caribbean Obstacle Course, a 4-Way Trampoline, Avalanche. Carousel Bounce, a 30″ Inflatable Colossal Slide, Paddle Boat Lagoon, Jumbo bounce Houses, and a Coca-Cola Game Zone.
In the Treasure of the Caribbean Obstacle Course youngsters battle their way through winding obstacles, climb to the treasure chest, and slide out before discovered by the pirate that you’ve stolen his treasure. The 4-Way Trampoline is where four people fly through the air at once. In Avalanche Mountain youngsters’ climb to the top of the mountain, with a St. Bernard dog, to help the skiers into the waiting helicopter, then they traverse down the mountain through snowdrifts, trees, and other obstacles. The Carousel Bounce, which is 20′ in diameter and 20′ in height, recreates centuries old handcrafted tradition and detail artwork. The 30″ Inflatable Colossal Slide can handle up to 400 people per hour. It is a huge three-story slide where youngsters climb up steps and whoosh down the custom slide bags. Paddle Boat Lagoon is where children use hand controls in the Paddler and paddle forward, backward, and make 360 degree turns while safely supervised. The Jumbo bounce House is one of the largest know bounce house in the Northern area. The dimensions are 20′ in length and 20′ in width with a height of 12′. In Coca-Cola Game Zone a soccer field is set up complete with players, nets, bleachers, and scoreboard.
This is a competition and judging will be conducted and every entrant will be eligible for trophies and prizes. In addition to the first place prize of $7,500, there are also large cash rewards for 2nd through 5th place and a special award for best sauce. Honors are $5,000 for 2nd place, $2,000 for 3rd place, $1,000 for 4th place, $500 for 5th place, and $500 for best sauce. With these benefits, it’s no wonder that people from all over the country try their hand at making the best ribs in the country and prepare their special sauce for all visitors to try. Visitors may purchase a Rib Village table (8-12 people, call 775-356-3439 for more information) and, from the best location on Victorian Square enjoy the great food and music. Winners will be announced on the Main Stage on Sunday afternoon.
The fabulous music set up for the event is completely amazing and is totally free. The headliners are quite well known as shown by the lineup (in order of appearance) for the year 2005. The Willies perform on September 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Mark Castro Band (Blues) performs on September 1st from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jo Manna (Blues/Reggae, and Funk) performs on September 1st from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The group Sol’Jibe performs on September 1st from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Jason King Band (Blues/Funk) performs on September 2nd from 11 to 2 p.m. Max Yasgur’s Farm (Classic Rock) performs on September 2nd from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Colin Ross Band (Jazz/Bluegrass) performs September 2nd from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Collin Raye (Country) performs on September 2nd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Buddy Emmer Band (Blues) perform on September 3rd from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Boogie Monsters (Blues/Funk) performs on September 3rd from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Paul Thom (Americana/Roots Rock) performs September 3rd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Woody’s (Rock) perform September 4th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Uncle Funkle (Blues) perform September 4th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. .38 Special (Rock) performs September 4th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ricky Hays & American Steel (Rock) performs September 5th from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Cracker (Rock) performs September 5th from 3 to 5 p.m.
Some of the past sponsors of the event include local banks, tourism committees, local grocery stores, The City of Sparks, local hotel/casinos, Model Dairy, local hospitals, radio and television stations, restaurants, and newspapers.
INFORMATION SUMMARY:
Dates: Labor Day Weekend, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Times: 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and
11:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Location: Victorian Square in Sparks, Nevada (between 14th street and Pyramid Way
Parking: Plenty of free parking (see the website http://www.nuggetribcookoff.com/ for
exact locations)
Free Shuttle Services from various areas including Reed High School (1350 Baring Blvd.), Alamo Truck and Travel Center (1950 East Greg Street), Western Village (815 Nichols Blvd.), and Wooster High School (1331 East Plumb Lane in Reno
Admission: FREE
