Sparks Nevada Celebrates the 2016 Labor Day Weekend in a Big Way

Disclaimer: I received no type of compensation for announcing these Labor Day Weekend events. As always, all opinions/suggestions are my own.

Bob Marley and the Wailer June 1970

Still wondering what to do over the Labor Day weekend? The Rib Cook-off in Sparks, Nevada is a tasty way to have some fun. Wander up and down Victorian Avenue for a glimpse of the vendors who offer ribs, sauces, and other favorite foods to passersby. There’s a movie theater if you want to drop in somewhere for entertainment in a cooler environment.

My favorite part is the list of headliner acts that appear on different nights during the event. It’s mostly standing, but the price is free, so a great bargain. People will be glad to point you towards the Main Stage. Check the starting time on the updated schedule, as things have a tendency to change now and then.

The festivities start with an Elton John Tribute by The Rocket Man Show. You’ll see Rus Anderson play a younger Elton John on vocals and the piano. There’s room for you to boogie to “Crocodile Rock” and sway to the rhythm of “Yellow Brick Road”.

The Garage Boys will play September 1. My personal note here – don’t bring the kids to this one. The event tries to keep the music clean, but these guys, as good as they sound, have some off-color sounds that are disappointing.

“Everything You Want” and “Burning the Days” are favorites from Vertical Horizon, who take the Main Stage on September 2. They wrote and recorded “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)”, which was released on an album and later as a single. Country music star Gary Allan earned a top 20 hit in 2005 with his rendition of the music.

Jessie James Decker appears September 3. Request an encore for “Wanted”, her hit single, in case she misses it during the show. She’s traveled with Kid Rock to perform for our troops in the Middle East, and in case you’re wondering, yes, she is the one married to NFL wide receiver Eric Decker.

Would you like “Two Tickets to Paradise”? On September 4, Eddie Money will have you remembering why his voice and sounds so popular when he performs that hit. “Take Me Home Tonight” is another hit duet with Ronnie Spector.

The event wraps up with The Original Wailers on September 5. Think Bob Marley and the amazing members of his band, including Al Anderson, an American-born lead guitarist. The Wailers added sensational resonance to “No Woman, No Cry”.

Enjoy the food, fun, and music of more than 40 bands playing at the Rib Cook-off in Sparks, NV this Labor Day weekend.