NFR Rides Into Town

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

THERE'S NO HOLDING back when it comes to The National Finals Rodeo. Of course, the NFR attracts cowboys from coast to coast with hot rodeo action, but the event has come to mean much more than just bull riding and calf roping.

Las Vegas is brimming with country-themed activity, and ShowBiz has the lowdown on all the bustle that rides into town with NFR.

Prize Buckles

Cowboys and cowgirls gather at the Gold Coast each night after the rodeo for the NFR Buckle Presentations as buckles are awarded to the individual event winners. The presentations offer a golden opportunity to see the rodeo stars close up. Event runs from 11-11:30 p.m., through Dec. 13.

Aces High

For the third year in a row, the Rio hosts its star-studded Justin vs. Wrangler Celebrity Blackjack Tournament on its main casino floor. The tournament features celebrities and sports figures, including NFR contestants who compete for a $5,000 prize to be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund on behalf of the winning team. The charity was established to provide financial support to injured rodeo participants in their time of need. The Justin vs. Wrangler Celebrity Blackjack Tournament will be held at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 10. Admission is free.

Barbecue Bonanza

You can't have a rodeo without a barbecue, and the NFR is no exception. Several hotels offer veritable feasts to hungry cowpokes. Boomtown welcomes Rudy Mikeska's World Famous Taylor Texas BBQ from noon-2 a.m. Binion's Horseshoe's Texas Deep Pit Barbecue runs from 6-11 p.m. through Dec. 14 at the intersection of 1st and Fremont.

What do you get a cowboy who has everything?

Check out this PRCA-sponsored gift show for NFR and PRCA souvenirs. The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show also features western wear and leather goods, including belts, buckles, boots, spurs, custom jewelry, textiles, pottery and more. The event takes place in the Cashman Field Center, located at 850 Las Vegas Blvd. N, and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 13. Admission is free.

Country Christmas

Sporting the theme "Where the real cowboys and cowgirls shop in Vegas," the Country Christmas Gift Expo celebrates its fourth year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Over 300 Western retailers display ladies and men's apparel, western lifestyles gifts and accessories, specialty products, horse care, tack products and thousands of Christmas gift items. Professional bull riders and country superstars will be on hand during selected hours to sign autographs, and the World Championship Dummy Roping for Children takes place Dec. 11-13. The Sands Expo & Convention Center is located at 201 Sands Ave. Shop till you drop from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Dec. 14. Admission is free.

Grand Affair

The MGM Grand hosts the Cowboy Experience Western Gift Expo in grand style. Upscale vendors offer incredible belt buckles, boots, saddles and much, much more. Located in the Grand Garden Arena, the Expo runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Dec. 11-13. Admission is free.

Party Up

There's never a dull moment in Las Vegas, especially at this time of the year. Palace Station continues a tradition of excitement with its 9th annual Pro Rodeo "Cowboy Up" Party on Dec. 8. Festivities include live entertainment, food and drink, and prize drawings. The party runs from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Admission is $5.

Rodeo Belles

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant has become an NFR tradition. This year, rodeo queens from around the country gather at the Flamingo Hilton to vie for the title of Miss Rodeo America. The festivities wrap up on Sunday with an awards breakfast at 7:30 a.m. For information and ticket prices, call 733-3333.

Happy Trails

Before you pack your saddle bags and get ready to ride out of town, be sure to stop by the 1997 World Champions Award Banquet at Caesars Palace on Dec. 14. Award presentations include the 1997 Stock of the Year awards, the 1997 NFR Average Winner awards and the 1997 World Champion awards. More than 800 people attended last year's awards banquet, so be sure to get your tickets early. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Call 895-3900 for tickets.