Class act: speciality entertainment

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998 | 2:17 a.m.

As rodeo fans know, the empasis at NFR is competition. With the best cowboys in the most intense events converging on Las Vegas, some of the smaller touches that make local rodeos homey affairs go by the wayside.

One of these features, specialty acts, has begun to work its way into the NFR line-up.

Specialty acts are performers that entertain crowds with rodeo-related exhibitions between events. The purpose of these entertainers is to break-up the action and treat the crowd to some equestrian antics.

While the frantic schedule of the NFR doesn't allow time for entertainment breaks, they do honor these performers with an award for Specialty Act of the Year. The NFR has also incorporated some of these performers into its opening ceremony during the flag presentation.

Leon and Vicki Adams are well-known in the realm of specialty acts. Animal trainers from Oklahoma, the husband and wife team have a combined 50 years experience in and around rodeos.

Since the introduction of the Specialty Act of the Year Award in 1982, the Adams have won it together and individually a total of four times, including last year. They have been nominated again this year.

The couple almost missed the presentation of the 1997 award while perfecting their performance during a trial session at Thomas and Mack.

"We were so busy, we missed the banquet part," said Leon. "But we got there for the award part of it, not even realizing we were getting the award."

The Adams, who spend an average nine months on the road each year, have separate acts, each lasting about seven minutes. Vicki's act consists of a dance routine on horseback.

Since there isn't time enough during NFR for their complete acts, they've been incorporated into the opening ceremonies. This will be the second year they've included this aspect of the show.

"Every night will be a different theme, so I'll be dressing accordingly to each," said Vicki. "I'll do a few march steps with my horse [as I'm] coming in with the American flag, and then I present it."

The Adams have taken their act all over the country and as far away as Finland, France and Japan.

"The [NFR] is great.It's the best--the best stock, best contestants, and the act thing like we do has been pretty well left out. We're appreciative that they're adding that flair to the opening ceremonies," said Leon.