Nugget Rib Cook-off to keep food hot for Nevada

This September, up to half a million BBQ lovers will gather in Sparks, Nevada, to celebrate the 22nd annual Best in the West Rib Cook-off. The event is slated to take place in the city's downtown Victorian Square, according to The San Francisco Examiner. "The Nugget Rib Cook-off has grown over the years to become one of the largest barbecue events in the country," Beth Cooney, executive director of marketing at John Ascuaga's Nugget, told the news source. "People visit from literally all over the world...Last year, we again encountered record crows. Our midweek days were at or near capacity, while the weekends were as strong as ever." Events at the cook-off include a rib-eating contest, featuring seasoned glutton Joey Chestnut of San Jose. He will face off against a dozen other competitors, though he currently holds the current rib-consuming world record. He swallowed a total of 9.8 pounds of rib meat in 2008 for the title. Because people are traveling long distances to attend this event, it's likely chefs will have to cook up plenty of barbecue to fill guests' stomachs. To keep food hot at such an event, some may choose to use wire chafing stands.