“It’s the white in the knuckles, the gold in the buckle; he’ll win the next go-round. It’s boots and chaps, it’s cowboy hats, it’s spurs and a latigo. It’s the ropes and the reins, the joy and the pain, and they call the thing RODEO!”

Garth Brooks said it best when he so accurately described the fandom and energy that captures a rodeo, but what occurred last week in Las Vegas at the PRCA’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – the “Super Bowl” of rodeos – was more than electric.

Last week brought together the BEST contestants from around the country, all reaching for the same goal: the title of “World Champion”. From bareback to saddle bronc, and bull riding to team roping, the competition was fierce.

With felt cowboys hats, starched Wrangler jeans, fashionable cowboy boots and jackets portraying rodeos from around the country could be spotted as far as the eye could see, Las Vegas was a full ten days of western and rodeo action!

I had the opportunity to witness the action first hand as the girls and I promoted Pendleton Whisky: The Spirit of Pro Rodeo! From the crazy yet catchy outfits of barrel racer Taylor Fallon, to Rookie & Ram Top Gun Award winning bull rider Sage Kimzey, as well as the “King of Cowboys” Trevor Brazile with his 12^th record winning All Around Title, the WNFR was an edge of your seat performance, but the action didn’t stop at the Thomas & Mack Center! The party continued into the parking lot at the Coors Tent where the whisky flowed, the spectators awed at the dance routines, and Pendleton swag was handed out to our biggest fans!

One of my favorite parts of the WNFR were the buckle ceremonies was held for the contestants, their families and sponsors to celebrate a round win, followed by talented country artists to keep the party rocking the rest of the evening! Who in their right mind passes up the chance to watch Aaron Watson?! Not this girl!!

Cowboy Christmas was also a fan favorite at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but each hotel certainly didn’t lack in the shopping experience they provided! If you went home empty handed, that was your first mistake.

As the WNFR’s 30^th year in Vegas came to a close, a HUGE congratulations goes out to each contestant on a job well done! Hard work, dedication, and an overall passion are what it takes to make it in this sport, and each of you displayed it beautifully.

Visit the Pendleton Whisky Facebook page for more information about Pendleton Whisky and the WNFR.

Until I see y’all at next year’s WNFR, happy holidays and “Let’Er Buck,” Pendleton fans!

Kassi