Story submitted by Bobbie Hinds of RodeoRoyalty.com

There isn't much that can outshine the bright lights of Las Vegas but the 30 Miss Rodeo America Contestants were certainly giving it their all on Monday morning. Dressed in their finest starched Wranglers, sequins and rhinestones these ladies were dressed to the nines.

Nearly every color family was represented in a rainbow of hues. From deep purple to lavender, evergreen to mint, fire red to pink plus black and white. It was a year for non-traditional colors too with colors such as orange and bright turquoise being worn. Many outfits were monochromatic with matching jeans and blouses and of course, perfectly matched Justin Ropers.

Blouse styles included traditional horsemanship blouses with stand-up collars, retro button downs and simple blouses with a variety of neckline options. Fabrics used included gabardines, satins, stretch knits, sequin adorned laces, leathers and velvets. Ultrasuede cutwork, embroidery, and rhinestones adorned many of the blouses worn today and each fit the contestant to a T. 

The majority of contestants opted for white Resistol hats with a couple of bone and a few black hats as well. 

A tribute to America's heroes kicked off the event with PRCA Specialty Act Max Reynolds riding in to do some fancy gun slinging and trick roping. Haley Rumford made it known that the Wild West wasn't all about men, and showed Max some of her bull whip skills, which he graciously acknowledged with a tip of his hat. Representatives of the Las Vegas fire and police forces were acknowledged with a sounding standing ovation as they walked to the center of the arena. Former Miss Rodeo America Executive Board President Sharon Halligan beautifully sang "America the Beautiful" as reigning Miss Rodeo America Tara Graham presented Old Glory from the back of a big, beautiful gray horse. Following this introduction our National Anthem rang through the arena and as the final verse was sung Tara burst through the curtains and presented our beautiful flag in full regalia.

America's first lady of professional rodeo was appropriately dressed in royal blue Wranglers and a matching horsemanship blouse. The blouse was adorned with red and white stars and rhinestones on the front and down the sleeves. The stars repeated on the back above a silhouette of the USA done in a flag pattern.

A Plaque was given to representative of Absorbine  for their Sponsorship of the Miss Rodeo Association.

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