Miss Rodeo America Pageant Rides Tall

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998 | 9:10 a.m.

Hold on to your hats. Here comes the 44th Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant, in which 31 beautiful young ladies from around the country vie for the national rodeo queen title at the Flamingo Hilton. This Saturday, 1998 Miss Rodeo America Mary Shaw will hand over her crown to one lucky winner, but not before a week of exciting activities.

The festivities carry on from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, and many events are open to the public. All activities take place at the Flamingo Hilton unless otherwise noted.

On Dec. 1, contestants display their horsemanship skills in the Excalibur's indoor arena from 9 a.m. to noon. Later, between 7:45 and 10 p.m., the contestant showcase will take place in the World of Coca Cola at the Showcase Mall.

The rodeo queens speak their minds during the speech session, Dec. 2, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. From 7 to 10 p.m. there will be dinner and a fashion show in the Sunset Ballroom.

The speech session continues Dec. 3, followed by the president's luncheon and impromptu questions from noon to 1:30 p.m. Then it's off to the Fremont Street Experience for an unforgettable hoedown beginning at 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4, is a big day as the rodeo queens wrap up their speeches from 8 to 9:15 a.m. From noon to 3 p.m., contestant introductions will take place in the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. At 6:45 p.m. they perform in the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack.

The coronation performance takes place at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5, when 1999's Miss Rodeo America will begin her one year reign. The following morning, Dec. 6, at 7:30 a.m., the contestants will gather for one last time at an awards breakfast.

For more information and ticket prices, call 733-3333.