The 37th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off kicked off at Victorian Square in Sparks on Wednesday.
Many folks told us this is their favorite event of the year, and we even spoke with a family from San Jose that said they've been traveling to Reno for seven years just to come out to the Rib Cook Off.
Edward Cordova, an event attendee, said, "You have a great time. Family atmosphere here. Well organized and the food is outstanding. You know, all the ribs, all the competitors going at it, and it's just really awesome."
Rib Cook Off attendees said it’s an easy way to get out of the house, have some fun with the whole family, and try new food.
Cordova told us, "They have everything: candy-coated fruit, the slushies, the entertainment for the kids, and really cater to a family-oriented occasion here."
People also said it's a great place to meet new people. They told us they start conversations with people in line and share which tents are their favorite.
We also got a chance to speak with someone who said it was their first time coming out to the Rib Cook Off. After hearing their friends talk about it each year, they had to see it all for themselves.
Rick Baird, a first-time attendee, told us, "I didn't really know about it and heard about it. Some friends of mine talked about how much they liked it, so I made it a point that I was going to come this year."
And one business owner who was born and raised in Reno said he loves being able to participate in such a popular event for the community. Even if he has moved away now, he keeps coming back this time of year.
Kevin McFarland, owner of GIT-R-Smoked BBQ, told us, "When I come back here, it's a good chance for me to hang out with friends, people I went to high school with, you know, people I grew up with in town. They enjoy my product and support us."
Representatives with the Nugget Casino shared how amazing it is to see a whole community come together year after year to make this event happen.
Ahmad H. Ahmad, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Nugget Casino, said, "You have the City of Sparks. You have the first responders. Our own team members who are working tirelessly to make this happen, and then you have our own vendors who are fantastic people. I got to meet many, many of them, and they're really, really wonderful people."
