Where's the Floss?

Armed with sunscreen, handi-wipes, and a killer appetite, hundreds of thousands meat-heads conquered enough ribs and pulled pork bites to spur vengeance in every living vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian in the Wild West! The rich smoky air was infused with lip-smacking spiciness and savory sweetness, topped with magical "gardens" overflowing with beer, margaritas, and chardonnay. Sounds a little like heaven, eh? Your right, it is. The only difference--the Gods worshiped here go by the names "Rasta Joe" and "Bone Daddy."

"I like the variety of good things to eat. I like Bone Daddy's best. Every year, I look for them. I like the tender meat and the taste of the sauce," said Naeem Elliott of Sacramento.

The 22nd Annual Best in The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off was a smokin', finger-lickin' grand time and many have the barbecue stains and remnants of pork in their teeth to prove it. Once again, The Nugget successfully transformed the Labor Day holiday on Victorian Square in downtown Sparks into a culinary, music, craft, and family end-of-summer affair that no grill-seeker wants to miss. With tasty eatery names like Sweet Meat's, Bourbon Q's, and Porky'N' Beans, attendees' taste buds are already spittin' about their newfound level of flavor.

"Everything tasted excellent, but my favorites were Wellingham's and Bone Daddy's BBQ. I think I bought over ten bottle of different barbecues and sauces," said Bay Area resident Ryan Miller.

Despite the temperatures exceeding the 90s, people lined up like cattle for their chance to grub on barbecued goods and shop the hundreds of booths that displayed everything from custom-size toe rings to bedazzled designer jeans.

"The rib cook-off brought record crowds during its six-day run, which ended Monday," said Stephen Ascuaga, chief operating officer of John Ascuaga's Nugget.

Attending the Annual Best in The West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is a great way to gain delicious insight into the world of grilling and barbecue, or at the least, a few pounds.