It’s the city some may anticipate and save for all year. Sin City: lights, gaming, drinking, laughing, and lots of fun. It is also the city that each December every corner is filled with cowboy hats transforming the look and feel of Vegas in a spectacular cowboy kind of way. This city hosts the baddest, coolest, and best cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world... Vegas baby! The National Finals Rodeo, where the party town shines bright like the desert sun and at night lights up the sky with neon lights and happy smiles. I have done some research to bring you some of the top eats, attractions, parties, and shops.
The World Championship Dummy Roping for Kids, sponsored by Cactus Saddlery and Twisted X Boots, will be held December 10-12 at the Sands Expo Convention in the Priefert Arena. For more info. visit www.worldchampionshipdummyroping.com.
The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show has relocated to the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The hours of operations are 9am - 4pm. The Cowboy Christmas also showcases the Cowboy FanFest which is a fun fan interactive experience. This year, the RMEF (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) will be located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at the Cowboy Christmas. This is a Hunter and Outdoor Christmas Expo which will expand 10 days and coincide with the Cowboy Christmas holding the same hours of operation. The Stetson Country Christmas will be held December 3-13 at the Sands Expo.
Tough Enough to Wear Pink night will be Monday, Dec. 7. Don’t forget to show your support for breast cancer awareness by wearing pink on this night. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink booth can be found in the Country Christmas.
Rumor has it, Boot Barn will be displaying approximately 15,000 pairs of boots. The NRS (National Ropers Supply) is planned to exhibit at the Marquee Ballroom in the MGM Grand supplying a range of western apparel, tack, and trailers. Shepler’s Western Wear anticipates a huge tent sale in the parking lot of the Sam’s Town location during the rodeo. The newly opened Pinto Ranch, a western wear store, is holding trunk shows during the rodeo. They will be holding fashion shows at various times in the Fashion Show mall.
Options are limitless in price, luxury, and accommodations. The Luxor, Tuscany, Harrah’s, Circus Circus, Gold Coast, Treasure Island, and Excalibur are selling some promotion deals for your stay. Check out sites like Hotels.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor to find promotional codes and compare hotel pricing and accommodations. Check with your hotel about shuttle schedules which may save you time and money.
If you are looking for some boot scooting, cocktail drinking, mingling fun, the official Wrangler NFR After-Party is held at the Mirage Dec. 3-12 from 6:30pm-4am. This party features some of the biggest country music stars and is free to attend. Some other After-Parties include a Mechanical Bull Competition, Gary Leffew’s Legendary Buck’N Ball, South Point Ram Rodeo Tailgate Party, and many more! Visit www.nfrexperience.com for more information. Popular hot spots may include Boot Barn Rodeo Saloon, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, and the Rodeo Live Stage.
Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, Gary Allen, Alabama, and Brooks & Dunn are just a few performing who will be knocking your boots off during the NFR. The Fashion Face Off will be a half time entertainment during the Smarty Dummy Roping Championships located at the Mandalay Bay. It will showcase boutiques/clothing brands with models going head to head on the runway.
Breakfast ideas: Tiabi, Waffle and Coffee Bar; The Egg & I; Bouchon Bakery; Markers & Finders Coffee
Dinner ideas: Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio; Yonaka Modern Japanese; Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse; Hofbräuhaus Vegas – German food experience.
Dessert ideas include: Crepe Expectations; Nothing Bundt Cake; Café Gelato; Sprinkles Cupcakes
Remember, it is Vegas…dress up, spend some money, boot stomp, and rock the town!
The author of the blog, California Dreamin’ (www.calidreamin.com), Amy Witt’s articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world. A fashionista, cowgirl and journalist, Amy strives to motivate and inspire people around the world.