Spurs meet sequins as Miss Rodeo America pageant rides into Las Vegas

If the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo isn’t enough to lure cowboys and cowgirls to Las Vegas this December, the annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant could help rope them in from Saturday to Dec. 10.

The annual pageant started in 1955 and brings together the reigning w0inners from 28 states to compete for the national title.

Declared “A Whole New Pageant” on the MRA Facebook event page, there are two major differences for this year’s event. First, the festivities move to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. More significant, however, is the timing of the competition. The pageant will be the same day the champion titles of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association are awarded.

“Previously, we’ve held the pageant the week before, so this is so much more exciting, to have all the winners [announced] on the same day,” Tracy Damrell, president of the Miss Rodeo America, said.

Like most pageants, the MRA contestants must have both beauty and brains, competing in categories like appearance, personality, speech craft and personal interviewing, but there are a few other aspects that make it unique.

“Yes, the girls have to do interviews and modeling, speeches, the typical pageant activities, but they also must have knowledge of horses and the rodeo,” Damrell said. “There is an actual horsemanship competition where the girls compete on horses they’ve never ridden before.”

Contestants’ skill is determined by their ability to handle these unfamiliar horses during this leg of the competition, held at 8:30 a.m. Monday at King Arthur’s Arena inside the Excalibur.

The women trade saddles for the runway on Dec. 8 to model in a fashion show featuring Wrangler, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, Reata Ranch Gear and Rod’s Belts, plus a western elegance dress from each contestant’s personal collection.

The coronation ceremony is Dec. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater, where the current Miss Rodeo America, McKenzie Haley, will crown her successor.

In addition to receiving prizes and scholarship money, Miss Rodeo America 2012 serves as the spokesperson for the PRCA during her reign, a job that will occupy the majority of
the year.

“[The winner] is designated as the first lady of professional rodeo and may spend as much as 300 to 320 days on the road,” Damrell said. “She is truly the goodwill ambassador of the rodeo to the public.”

Rodeo fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the contestants before the coronation can meet them at the contestant introduction at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, starting at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Published on BestOfLasVeags.com

Cowboy Christmas, rope some deals

One of the most anticipated events surrounding the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo each year in Las Vegas has nothing to do with riding broncos or roping calves, but shoppers are sure to snag a great gift at the 2011 Cowboy Christmas Gift Show.

Now in its 26th year, the annual gift show, held Dec. 1-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, has grown from a few vendors displaying their handmade goods to over 400 exhibitors from across the United States and Canada.

The annual event is also one of the best places to find official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and WNFR gear for sale.

Last year’s show drew more than 138,000 shoppers over 10 days, so plan to go early for the best selection. Aznarez said the show organizers planned for marathon shopping sessions, with bars and food booths readily available, as well as bag checks when purchases start to pile up. “We really try to accommodate the shopper who would spend multiple hours here or even multiple days,” she said.

If hours of shopping seem overwhelming, there are other events and activities to enjoy throughout the day. Three big-screen televisions, strategically placed throughout the hall, will broadcast the previous night’s Wrangler NFR performance, and autograph sessions will be held with various celebrities and rodeo contestants. Sunday only will feature a live feed of the performances, Aznarez revealed.

Fans who enjoy live entertainment will surely enjoy “Outside The Barrel with Flint Rasmussen,” a popular variety show hosted by the eight-time PRCA Clown of the Year (and eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Barrelman). Featuring guests from the rodeo, country music and beyond, the show blends interviews with down-home humor.

On Dec. 9, lucky attendees can also meet the contestants for the Miss Rodeo America pageant starting at 1:30 p.m., free of charge.

If patrons can tear themselves away from the great deals, there is also a ticket exchange service in the lobby where fans can get those last-minute seats to the NFR action, as well as a complimentary one-way shuttle directly to the Thomas & Mack.

The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show is open to the public and runs from Thursday to Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. With the exception of Sunday, parking is charged.

Published on Best of Las Vegas