By: Las Vegas Now Staff
This will be a huge weekend for events in Las Vegas. It's also a weekend residents may want to avoid the Las Vegas Strip. Thousands are expected to flock to the valley for the National Finals Rodeo.
The second performance of the NFR starts on Friday at 6:45 p.m. Already people are showing up to enjoy the experience.
One major thing fans are doing all over Las Vegas is spending money. This 10 day event will bring in just under $53 million in non-gaming revenue for the valley. That's a lot of sales tax money and tips being paid. NFR fans eat out at local restaurants, see shows on the Strip and shop at valley retailers.
A big hit is always the Cowboy Christmas gift show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Julie Silcox, from northern Utah, is spending ten days in Vegas. She loves the rodeo because her son is a competitor. He finished second in bull riding last year. She also uses the trip as an excuse to buy gifts.
“We do a lot of Christmas shopping down here. Look forward to it every year,” she said.
Kirk Romney comes to town for the entire event. He just picked up the official belt buckle for this year's National Finals Rodeo. It cost him $750.
“When I come in, I'm usually here for 11 days. For the whole finals,” he said.
And there are 42,000 other people just like him spending money all over the area.
The NFR will be in town until Sunday, December 16.
Email your comments to Reporter Edward Lawrence
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