Shopping round up

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1998 | 2:42 a.m.

It would take a might big rope to lasso all the great shopping and gift shows in town this week. From western knick-knacks to a new pair of boots, you're likely to find just what that special cowboy or cowgirl wants for the holidays. Here's a quick round-up of the shows in town.

The PRCA-sponsored gift show for NFR and PRCA souvenirs, the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center houses more than 375 exhibitors, featuring hundreds of western artists, craftsmen and western-wear dealers.

The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show took place at Cashman Field previous years, but this year's move to the Las Vegas Convention Center has opened up much more space for additional vendors and a more convenient location near the Strip. The Gift Show, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, runs through Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Fast becoming a tradition during NFR, the Fifth Annual Country Christmas Western Gift Expo '98 takes place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center through Dec. 13. More than 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.

In addition, a daily "High Noon Western Fashion Show" showcases many of the exhibitors. There's also free entertainment and World Championship Dummy Roping for Children. The Gift Expo is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another tradition in early December, the Western Emporium and Tent Sale at Sam's Town stirs up great shopping on Boulder Highway. The sale spans more than 25,000 square feet and features a wide selection of western boots, clothing and accessories at discounted prices.

Beat the stampede and rush over to the Western Emporium and Tent Sale. The event runs through Dec. 13.

Be sure to visit as many of the gift fairs as you can. Shopping around is always a good idea, especially in Las Vegas, where the selection is as abundant and diverse as the people who visit.