Designated the “Super Bowl of Rodeos,” the 66th annual National Finals Rodeo (NFR) crowns the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls of this horsemanship sport. With a total payout of more than $16 million in 2024, it’s deemed the world’s richest and most esteemed cowhand exhibition. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) hosts and Wrangler title sponsors the season-ending rodeo, which takes place Dec. 5 through Dec. 14, at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center. The top 15 contestants in each event – team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding – contend for a PRCA gold buckle while splitting the millions-of-dollars purse. As a former Wrangler content creator and lifelong NFR spectator, it was only customary to celebrate the arena action. For decades, my farm family of centennial homestead Edward Hill Farm has cheered for rodeo competitors as a traditional holiday pastime.
Cowgirl Candace wanted to spice up the situation with a rooftop reunion in 2024. Southern style, of course. Inviting a few of my dearest peaches and agricultural artists to celebrate the occasion. Our chosen city to Deep South party: Macon, Georgia. Known as “The Heart of Georgia,” this rural town is where music legends like the late James Brown, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding (also a cattle farmer who lived near our farmland) threw soulful shindigs by way of the famous Chitlin’ Circuit. Each of the following rodeo family and rural friends put soul into their agricultural lifestyles and careers – just as NFR competitors do while demonstrating rodeo showmanship. This entire year my agrarian gal pals and I have collaborated to capture national rodeo narratives, expand our Southeast Region culinary palettes at local festivals, and thoughtfully grow our agribusinesses into new digital markets. As a team. Sisterhood. These cowgirls, farmers, creatives, educators, chefs, and travelers brought nothing less than brilliance to our Vegas version of NFR fun:
IG Handle: @baileysstagingdesigns
Hometown: Locust Grove, Georgia
Occupation: interior and barn designer
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: camping
Cowgirl Essentials: boots
IG Handle: @christina.jenkins.184
Hometown: Forsyth, Georgia
Occupation: culinary artist
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: walking
Cowgirl Essentials: boots, hats, buckles
IG Handle: @treatswithlenise, @journeywithlenise
Hometown: Forsyth, Georgia
Occupation: private and outdoor chef
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: water rafting, hiking, ziplining
Cowgirl Essentials: hats and boots
IG Handle: @em_farms
Hometown: Salem, Georgia
Occupation: crop farmer
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: hiking and riding 4-wheelers
Cowgirl Essentials: hats
IG Handle: @survivoronpurposellc
Hometown: Haddock, Georgia
Occupation: STEM educator
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: cycling and horseback riding with older sister Cowgirl Candace
Cowgirl Essentials: boots
IG Handle: @cleverheather
Hometown: Albany, Georgia
Occupations: organic farmer and STEM educator
Agriculture/Outdoor Activities: farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, and golfing
Cowgirl Essentials: hats, buckles, boots, and jeans
Wonderful time with some amazing woman!