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The Golden Circle of Champions, in conjunction with Las Vegas Events, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Red Bluff Round-Up, Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, Tuscany Suites & Casino and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, announced today that it will honor 20 children and their families fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Golden Circle of Champions Banquet is set for Sunday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. PT at the Tuscany Suites & Casino.

Founded in 2016 in conjunction with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, the Golden Circle of Champions was conceived to raise awareness and provide funds to help those children in need. Each year, families are honored during the opening night of the rodeo. Through donations and fundraising efforts, support is provided directly to the families to fulfill their most urgent needs: paying bills, buying medicine and caring for their family.

What started at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo is now making its way to Las Vegas again to continue the vital mission of the Golden Circle of Champions. Eight local Las Vegas families along with 12 families chosen from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos from across the country will be treated like champions at rodeo-themed activities in their honor. Each of the 20 families in attendance will include a child between the ages of 6 and 17 who has been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer or associated illnesses.

While in Las Vegas during the Wrangler NFR, the children and their families will have an opportunity to dine with rodeo champions, receive special gifts and learn about the sport of rodeo. That evening, all honorees will attend the Wrangler NFR at the Thomas & Mack Center.

RELATED: 2023 Contract Personnel Announced For Wrangler NFR, NFSR

“Our goal is to bring education and awareness – locally and nationally – to pediatric cancer and offer a ray of hope to the families that are navigating through this difficult journey,” stated Golden Circle of Champions Founder Tina Tonascia. “Our team at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo feels it is our job to continue to tell their stories about the pediatric cancer journey they endure, in the hopes that one day we will be able to make a difference. Because of the combined efforts of so many over these past few years, we are making huge strides, and now with the support of the PRCA, we have rodeos across the nation going “Gold” and joining our mission to help families in their communities, while also spreading the message of pediatric cancer awareness.”

“We are so grateful and thrilled to once again be associated with the Golden Circle of Champions in 2023,” said President/CEO of Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation Jeffrey R Gordon. “This means so much to the children that are honored through this amazing event. We will be forever grateful to the NFR, Las Vegas Events, Southwest Specialty Contractors and all those who make this day one of the most special days in our children’s lives who are battling cancer and life-threatening illnesses. The love and compassion that is shown by so many is absolutely spectacular and truly makes our hearts smile.”

For more information about the Golden Circle, please visit GoldenCircleofChampions.com.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest NFR news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit NFRstreamingpass.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

The contract personnel for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge and the National Finals Steer Roping were announced Tuesday by the PRCA.

The announcers at the 2023 Wrangler NFR will be Randy Corley, Roger Mooney, and Andy Seiler. The NFR is Dec. 7-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Corley, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017, will be making his 23rd NFR appearance, while it will be the seventh appearance at the NFR for Mooney. Seiler is making his second appearance at the NFR, as he made his NFR debut in 2020.

RELATED: Live With Lucia Added To Already Packed Line Up On The Ariat Rodeo Live Stage At The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas

Livestock superintendent John Barnes makes his 18th consecutive Wrangler NFR appearance. The assistant livestock superintendent is Terry Autrey. Raina Hudson is the saddle horse boss.

The chute bosses are Tony Amaral (timed events) and Tom Neuens (roughstock).

Sunni Deb Backstrom, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2021, is the NFR secretary, marking the 18th year in a row she has been selected. Courtney Morehead is the assistant secretary.

Timers are Nancy Dorenkamp, Michelle Corley, who is making her second appearance and Molly Twitchell, who is appearing for the third time and third year in a row.

Josh Hilton is the music director, and the assistant music director is Brad Narducci.

The specialty acts are Dusti Dickerson and the Flying Arena Stars.

At the NFSR at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 17-18, Jody Carper will handle the announcing duties, along with Steve Kenyon. This is Carper’s ninth appearance at the NFSR and fifth in a row. This is Kenyon’s NFSR debut.

Chute boss John Gwatney is back for his 14th consecutive trip, and the arena usher is Matt Scott. The NFSR secretary is Jackie Northrop. The timers are Sandy Gwatney and B.J. Voigt. This is Gwatney’s fifth time as an NFSR timer.

Mark Evans will be making his debut as the music director at the NFSR.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest NFR news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit NFRstreamingpass.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Las Vegas Events launched today a new campaign to celebrate the preparation for the return of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. Entitled ‘You Never Know Who You’ll Meet in December,’ the multi-platform campaign features all of the 2022 PRCA World Champions, Miss Rodeo America and a collection of Las Vegas personalities and icons.

The initiative will include a comprehensive digital and social campaign, inclusion on NFRexperience.com, as well as a :30 television spot to run on The Cowboy Channel leading up to the start of the Wrangler NFR. The event kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 7 and runs for ten consecutive days at the Thomas & Mack Center, welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans to Las Vegas.

During that time, there will be more than 75 individual acts playing in arenas and showrooms up and down the Las Vegas Strip and downtown.

Appearing in the campaign, along with the 2022 PRCA World Champions and Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs, are the following individuals and groups: John Katsilometes, Chippendales, Blue Man Group, UNLV Athletics, Steve Goedert, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil, Vegas Golden Knights, Andy Seiler, Penn & Teller, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Wayne Newton and Terry Fator. A full list and links to each can be found here.

The campaign was shot on site at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino Resort as part of the annual content shoot for the Wrangler NFR.

“There is not another annual event that transforms the look and feel of our city like the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” said LVE President Tim Keener. “From our research and direct correspondence with our fans, we know that they are amazed every year by the ability to meet their favorite rodeo athletes, Vegas personality or entertainer in person. In December, during those ten days, anything is possible.”

More information can also be found at NFRexperience.com/YouNeverKnow.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest NFR news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit NFRstreamingpass.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

From Dec. 7 – 16 at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage will bring live talk show style entertainment to rodeo fans. Starting this year, Live with Lucia presented by Tactacam, featuring popular rodeo announcer and personality Anthony Lucia, will join the line up for a full day of interviews with special guests, live music and more.

Free to the public, Cowboy Christmas is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (PT) daily at the Las Vegas Convention Center and features more than 400 exhibitors and interactive elements for rodeo fans. In 2023, the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage will be located on the second floor as part of an expansion of the event throughout both the South and Central Halls.

Each day, the Ariat Rodeo Live State will feature the following (all times PT and subject to change):
Live with Lucia – starting at 10:30 a.m.
Cowboy Revival with host Shane Minor – starting at 11:30 a.m.
Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen – starting at 12:30 p.m.
RMEF Calcutta – starting at 1:30 p.m.

“When I started Live with Lucia in 2012, my goal was to highlight the personalities of the athletes and stars of Professional Rodeo and Western sports,” said Lucia. “What began as a goal of entertaining has now become a staple of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and continued to evolve into an hour filled with fun, games, stories from the road and an opportunity for the fans to not only see a different side of the athletes through these activities and interviews but for the fans to win NFR tickets and gifts from our amazing sponsors. I am beyond excited to continue this journey at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the premier spot for shopping and entertainment during the NFR in Vegas.”

Rasmussen has been a staple at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas and continues to deliver laughs, entertainment and special guests during the ten days with Outside the Barrel. Also back for a third year is the live-music show Cowboy Revival with host Shane Minor. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Calcutta will be held daily.

To add to the overall experience, RMEF’s Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo will be co-located in the Central and South Halls, adjacent to The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. Over the past 36 years, Cowboy Christmas has attracted more than 5.1 million attendees.

In addition to the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas will include the following main anchor displays and programming elements:

Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon (South Hall, Level 2) – Every great “rodeo” needs a saloon. Located near the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage, the Ranch Water Rodeo Saloon features specialty drinks.

NFR After Dark presented by Community Coffee (South Hall, Level 2) – This customized area features Cloud Touch units promoting all aspects of the NFR Experience and how fans can engage at the 28 sponsor hotels.

Returning for the second year will be Cowboy Christmas Village sponsored by Clint Orms (South Hall, Level 2). This festive area will include Christmas trees, daily appearances by Santa Claus from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and an area for kids to write a letter to Santa and drop it in a special mailbox. In addition, there will be photo walls to share your experience with family and friends.

Bites and Brews (South Hall, Level 2 and Central Hall) – A series of custom food and beverage carts will be located in both halls for attendees to enjoy a variety of vendors to satisfy any appetite.

Wrangler Rodeo Arena (Central Hall) – Featuring a seating capacity of more than 1,200 fans, the arena hosts a variety of events and competitions. The YETI Junior World Finals will feature contestants 19-years-old and younger competing in many of the events the pros take part in at the Thomas & Mack Center, including bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, girls and boys breakaway, team roping, tie-down roping, pole bending and barrel racing.

The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas is one of the daily highlights when the Wrangler NFR is in town. Sold out for more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Under the new contract with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association that runs through 2025, the purse in 2023 is more than $11.5 million. Qualification is based on the 2023 PRCA World Standings.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest NFR news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit NFRstreamingpass.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.