I would really like to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this December. The "Superbowl" of rodeos. To watch cowboys. And cowgirls. And shop. Did I mention, to watch cowboys?My Auntie J has been to the NFR, as a spectator and shopper, several times. That is her buckle in the above picture. She raves about the "Cowboy Christmas." Have you heard of it? It is the western shopping extravaganza that happens during the NFR. I'd mostly have to window shop. But it'd still be fun to see all the vendors and drool over all of the merchandise.
At the 4th of July BBQ I was at, one of the guests told me that he has been numerous times, as well. He grew up riding rodeo. Roping and racing. He said the NFR is amazing. Watching all of those cowboys and cowgirls, who have worked hard their whole lives to get there, to that one point, hoping to be at the top. For their dreams to come true.
Have you been? Do you want to? Should I go? Should I start saving now?
Sounds like a great time to me. I think you should go. Take time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very fun time! Horses, cowboys, shopping? Can't beat that. I would love one of those buckles! Las Vegas is a blast too. Lots of non-horse shopping for those inclined.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good future horse-blogger meet up too! I would love an excuse to go to Vegas in December and get warmed up!
It is fun, worth going once in your life. Kind of commercial at times. Growing up around rodeos has kind of soured me, they seem kind of boring to me now. I like to go if I know some of the riders, For a just fun Rodeo I would suggest "LET ER BUCK" the roundup is always fun.
ReplyDeleteHere's the deal Pony Girl-If you go to Vegas for the NFR-don't think that you will enjoy the rodeo as much as you would watching it on TV. Unless you(or your Auntie) have some major pull and can get sponsor tickets, you will sit in the nosebleed section and have to watch the big screen to actually see what is going on. Take binoculars!
ReplyDeleteThat being said-I say GO! Start saving now and go have a blast. The Cowboy Christmas shopping was okay-personally I think they have much better shopping at the Denver Stock Show and the Rapid City, SD Stock Show-and the prices are better. But hanging out in the casinos with cowboys and cowgirls from all over-the people you meet and the things you see are PRICELESS!!
They do have meet and greet autograph times so you can get up close and personal(if only for a moment)to the stars of the rodeo world. The western fashion show is great too if you can get in.
All in all-I had a blast and plan on going back as soon as I can-hey if you go-I will see if my honey wants to go again this year and we can hang out-that would be a blast!
oh pony girl, take me, take me!! we go to vegas every year around oct/nov, and the signs are everywhere and they are getting ready. last year i told my husband to book us for the finals. i've heard it is a mad house during that week, but is still would die to go!!
ReplyDeletealso - bunco is so super easy, by now you know just how smart i am, so if i can do it you can too! there are so many ways to play, we pay $5/month, roll for 6's and have 4 prizes. it's mainly a thoughtless game, but you get to eat great, drink and have a girls night for $5, can't beat that! keep me posted on your decision on going to vegas, i will be so jealous!!!
I've never been to the NFR but I watch it every year on TV.
ReplyDeleteI would love to go just once to experience it in "real life". (and to shop! lol)
It sounds like fun to me, I'd like to go at least once in my life to say that I have.
ReplyDeleteJust remember it's the desert and no matter what you think the desert during the winter is cold cold cold and dry dry dry. I grew up in San Diego and went to Vegas on occasion, it was only a 5 hour drive and I have 'family' there so I didn't need to get a hotel. Book a room early because they do book up, the seedier places are naaasty. If you can wing it I would go, if just for the experience alone. Really, everyone should experience Vegas at least once in their lives. I personally hate the place but I know others that love it. We only go now for the paint ball tournaments (don't ask, I don't play anymore. Too many punk ass whiney little snot boys).
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie! Start making your plans and GO. I have been several times and I am never ever disappointed. It is two weeks of fun, $hopping and like you said...cowboys. Talk to Trainwreck, maybe we can all meet up this year! Wouldn't that be a hoot? It is expensive though and like Browneyed Cowgirl said, unless you know someone...you will be in the nosebleed section an are better off watching it on tv in one of the local casinos. I say that, but I still go and watch...from the nosebleed section...with binoculars. There has only been one year back in the 90s when I actually had decent seats. I dont' care though, it's always fun and everyone who is interested in rodeo, cowboys or the Western lifestyle in general should attend at least once in their life. Spanki...make you plans sista...we have a rodeo to go to.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, it sounds mad fun! I say GO, too. Maybe go with Paint Girl or some of your girl cousins so you have a "posse" - but not one that could cramp your style checkin' out the cowboys - smirk! And you'd have to shop, but maybe work out a wish list & budget so you don't go wild [like I would, hee]
ReplyDelete- Jules from Oz
I also watch this on TV every year! I love it. And I would love to go! But it would be very hard for me to get that time of year off from work. :(
ReplyDeleteI also have never been to Vegas, only Reno, and I have heard that Vegas is WAAAAYYYY better than Reno!
It would be a most wonderful experience!
Pony Girl, our single gal pal... you are asking if you should go to the NFR... Honey, just THINK of all that eye candy there! Seriously now!! Between the horses and the Wrangler butts (you know, the ones that drive cowgirls nutts..)....I'd think you would be packing NOW. ;)
ReplyDeleteGoing for us would involve instant and permanent revocation of my Golden Hermit Status, so there wont be any rodeo trips in my future... but WHEN you go, we all expect pictures from ALL of you ladies who find yourselves there! ;)
Mrs. Mom and I are going to live vicariously through you cowgirls who go. I have friends who go specifically for the bull riding events.
ReplyDeleteI went in 1994. It was a last-minute decision and I couldn't even get tickets to the rodeo. But the cool thing is, everybody else who is in the same boat hangs out at the same hotel and watches it together on tv. That year, it was the Gold Coast.
ReplyDeleteThe shopping at Cowboy Christmas was extraordinary, and the cowboy-watching was extra-extraordinary (although you've got to be careful and steer clear of all the urban cowboys who clutter up the scenery). But I loathe Las Vegas and would never do it again. I would go instead to Cheyenne Frontier Days.
We don't go to NFR. We go to the Working Ranch Cowboy's Association's Championship Rodeo. It is in Amarillo in November! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBut, I'd really like to go to NFR for the trade show! And the cowboys. Who am I kidding?
I haven't been, but everyone I talk to that has been, loves it!! I REALLY want to go too!! I already have my cowboy, but can still appreciate the menu!!
ReplyDeleteI've had the (joy?) of traveling to Vegas, once for a bachelorette party (of course!) and once for a celebration of 30th Birthdays, including my own. It is fun place for a few nights. However, I think the rodeo would be a great time, as many of you have said, just hanging out, talking, (and partying!) with the cowboys would be amazing. It's definitely on my list of things to do!
ReplyDeleteI have never been, but my hubby has. I would love the shopping!! That is like at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show!! Awesome shopping!! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteWould love to shop! My farrier used to be a pro bull rider!
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great experience and this is coming from an english person. I have always enjoyed the entertainment that professional and humane rodeos have put on. I say go fo rit and have a blast!
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to go. Start saving now! I've been three times and loved it. The shopping is great - you can get all of your Christmas shopping done! Brown eyed cowgirl is right...about the nosebleed section unless you shell out big bucks..its cheaper to go the first part of the week...
ReplyDeleteok, you HAVE to go because remember? i live vicariously through you!! that is something i have always wanted to see, but for now i have to be content with the local rodeos and the county & state fair....
ReplyDeletePony Cowgirl!!!
ReplyDeleteWe go every year!! Last year we were three seats up from the chutes! I got hit with flying shrapnel! Mud to the eye!!(I told my husband to pay attention to the rider, in case he won? I was going straight to ebay with that clump of mud!! I also had/have a booth last/this year at the Cowboy Christmas! Save your money !! We can visit!!Yes it is worth going!! You would love it!!
I haven't been to the NFR but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go to the PBR Finals in Vegas. Love me some cowboys!
ReplyDeleteSure you should go!~
ReplyDeleteWe were just at the Calgary Stampede last week--gracious, is that a party!
Paige: My sweet sister DVR'd the Calgary Stampede for me last week and has been saving the episodes for me to watch! I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI have been there inadvertently. When some of my boys were in Pop Warner Football, we went to Vegas for their end of the season football game and were there the same time as an NFR. It was crazy busy. I was not into horses at that time, but I sure enjoyed eyeing the cowboys,, hehehe.
ReplyDeleteI would say everyone needs to go at least once. There are several barrel racer friends of mine and they go to shop. They don't go to the rodeo, they watch it on TV.
So.. save up and go, it is great fun!