Emerson Marcus

RGJ

A familiar 20-foot inflatable Armadillo will be missing from this year's Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off.

Armadillo Willy's BBQ, of Texas, was told Wednesday to take down its inflatable armadillo, referred to as "Big Willy," on request from the city of Sparks.

"Ten or 12 people have already asked, 'Where is the Armadillo?'" said Bob Deagen, president of Armadillo Willy's BBQ.

Francine Burge, city of Sparks special events supervisor, said they asked for the armadillo to be removed as part of new city policy that prohibits inflatables on public property; in this case, on Victorian Avenue.

The policy dates to January this year when the city told local special events coordinators that they were phasing out inflatables, saying they had one year to find alternatives for recreation. That policy was accelerated after a large inflatable slide was blown into the air off Victorian Avenue on July 4 when a dust devil blew through.

"We do ask event organizers to supply us with insurance, but since it is still on city property, the city would be liable," Burge said.

Deagen said he understands the city's sensitivity following the July 4 event that damaged two light poles. Two people were hospitalized after being hit with debris from the winds, KOLO8 News Now reported.

But Deagen said the city's decision was still "unbelievable."

Armadillo Willy's BBQ was one of the first groups to attend the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, and they've always brought an inflatable armadillo, Deagen said. After a brief hiatus, they returned to the event six years ago with a new inflatable armadillo, the one they were told to take down Wednesday.

The armadillo is about 20 feet long and stands about 12 feet tall, he said.

"We have it tethered down tightly," he said. "It's never almost blown away."

Burge has attended national conferences on city special events and the issue of inflatables are part of an ongoing conversation on liability and danger, she said. When asked why the Rib Cook-off was advertising a bounce house, Burge said she spoke with the Nugget on that, and they told her it was an error and that there was not going to be a bounce house this year, she said.

"It's unfortunate it had to come at this time," Burge said. "I saw the armadillo, and he was pretty cute."

The John Ascuaga's Nugget has not returned a call for comment.