A bone to pick

This Labor Day weekend, enjoy one last summer barbecue but have somebody else do the grilling. Twenty-four rib-cookers from across the country will do just that during the 16th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off. They’ll be competing for $16,500 in prize money and a chance to claim the “Best Ribs” title. Pork ribs are the focus, but chicken and brisket options are also available. About 300,000 people are expected to attend the five-day cook-off, which begins Sept. 2 and ends Labor Day, Sept. 6. In addition to ribs, there will be arts and crafts vendors, activities for kids and live music featuring local and regional acts on various stages along Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks. Headlining acts will perform on the main stage located near the John Ascuaga’s Nugget parking garage. Tex-Mex/zydeco band Mumbo Gumbo performs 7 p.m. Sept. 2. Country singer Joe Diffie plays 7 p.m. Sept. 3. American roots rockers David Bromberg and his Big Band Reunion hits the stage 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Classic rock band Foghat plays 7 p.m. Sept. 5. Smooth jazz saxophonist closes the event with a concert at 3 p.m. Sept. 6. The cook-off begins 11 a.m. daily. Rib judging is Sept. 5 and prizes and trophies will be awarded on Sept. 6. Call 356-3300 or visit www.janugget.com.—Kelley Lang