The growth of John Ascuaga's Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off over its 23 years has been nothing short of phenomenal.

While other special events nationwide have gone begging for attendees in a sad economy, this one is expected to grow even more this year. The fact that it takes place Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest periods in Northern Nevada tourism, doesn't hurt, but the fact that it has a reputation for being well-run and providing a great atmosphere for families doesn't hurt either. It's remained remarkably blemish-free.

Last year, visitors to the cook-off managed to polish off 200,000 pounds of ribs. There were a half million people in attendance. This year, the Nugget has ordered 280,000 pounds for the 24 competing cookers, all vying for a piece of the $14,000 cash purse. If that seems a bit small when compared with other competitions, remember that bragging rights are the big prize. The cook-off is usually cited as the country's most prestigious.

The cooker with the target on its forehead is last year's winner, Bone Daddy's BBQ of Midland, Mich. Bone Daddy's feat last year was more impressive because it also won the People's Choice Award.

New competitors are rare in the competition, and there's always a waiting list. This year has allowed for one – Uncle Bub's out of Westmont, Ill., one of the most popular destinations in the Chicago area.

"Uncle Bub's has a great look and a great reputation," says Beth Cooney, the Nugget's director of marketing. "They were highly recommended by several other cookers, so we're really looking forward to having them be a part of our event."

California competitors this year include Armadillo Willy's, Back Forty Texas Barbecue, Kinder's Custom Meats and Smokehouse Specialties.

Another new vendor will arrive but their fare will not be the St. Louis-style ribs featured for the cook-off. The Fabulous Frickle Brothers from Angels Camp will offer fried pickles and fried green tomatoes.

One of the marks of the cook-off that makes its reputation is behind the scenes. Over the years, the Nugget has perfected a double-blind judging system. Ribs are purchased from what the vendor is selling to customers. The cooks are unaware of which sale goes to the judges.

The judges are also unaware of who cooked the ribs. Numbers are given to the samples, and then the numbers are changed in the next round. The winner, announced on Sunday, is by number so that even the emcee does not know the name in advance.

One of the big draws of the cook-off has always been the free entertainment. Besides performers throughout the day, the evening headliners never fail to draw a big crowd. It all kicks off on at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the Buddy Emmer Band, a local group who's popular with the largely local audience that makes up the Wednesday attendance.

On Thursday, the funk-soul powerhouse The Family Stone takes the stage. "Hot Fun in the Summertime" just may be the perfect theme for the party, and "Dance to the Music" and "I Want To Take You Higher" add more fun. Sly, the legendary leader of the band, has a tendency to show up at concerts when he wants to, so come on, Sly, "You Can Make It If You Try."

One of the most anticipated appearances this year, ironically, is by a tribute band, the first booked for the event. Dead Man's Party pays homage to Oingo Boingo on Friday.

Saturday evening has traditionally meant country, and there is no difference this year with Healdsburg-born Heidi Newfield, formerly known as part of Trick Pony and singer of "Johnny & June," along with the current "Stay Up Late."

The Sunday rock spot this year is taken by Blue Öyster Cult, no strangers to the area showrooms with hits like "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burning for You." And Monday's wind-down will showcase a band that's been upgraded. Last year, The Honeymoon played pretty much anonymously during the day, but this year they'll headline the event's closing at 3 p.m.

Two years ago in the rib-eating contest, Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti knocked off champion Joey Chestnut. Last year, Chestnut regained the title. Bertoletti is back this year against other major-league eating competitors Erik "The Red" Denmark, Ron Koch, Damon Wells and James Carroll. Chestnut's return was a question mark as of last week, but with or without him, the contest will take place Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Other good news from the Nugget is that this year it is going for the green, with 100 percent of the refuse in the village to be composted and recycled. All plates, cups and even utensils are compostable and Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful will have two compost and recycling stations.

It started as a three-day experiment. It is now a six-day attraction. The 23rd Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through next Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5.

Parking can be a problem, so consider the free shuttle service from the Legends Shopping Center at the Sparks Boulevard exit on Interstate 80 East. Loading and off-loading will take place behind Scheel's from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There will be no shuttle service on Monday.

Admission is free and information is available at nuggetribcookoff.com or on Twitter @nuggetribs.

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