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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
 
Location: Oklahoma | Well, not so last minute for me (don't leave until Sunday), but maybe for others! Please post any questions you have!
Are the trade shows packed or do people trickle in and out slowly?
Would the Mirage be better than the MGM Grand? We're booked at the MGM Grand b/c of the NRS show, but if it's just like the catalog then I'd probably rather not waste my time. We have friends staying at the Mirage on our last night so we were thinking about switching over.
How soon should we be in our seats before the performance starts? |
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 Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
 
Location: Bandera, TX | I like to go to the trade shows as soon as they open up. It will get very crowded in the afternoons.
I usually go to the Mandalay Bay show on the first day, next day to the Sands and the Conventione Center on the last day. I usually fit the NRS one in too somewhere. I like to shop and look at stuff...... |
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 Living within my means
Posts: 5128
Location: Randolph, Utah | GoMistyGo - 2014-12-02 8:29 AM
I like to go to the trade shows as soon as they open up. It will get very crowded in the afternoons.
I usually go to the Mandalay Bay show on the first day, next day to the Sands and the Conventione Center on the last day. I usually fit the NRS one in too somewhere. I like to shop and look at stuff......
How big is the NRS? I was thinking I might could get that and Mandalay bay in one day. |
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Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | JcNhEmI - 2014-12-02 9:41 AM GoMistyGo - 2014-12-02 8:29 AM I like to go to the trade shows as soon as they open up. It will get very crowded in the afternoons.
I usually go to the Mandalay Bay show on the first day, next day to the Sands and the Conventione Center on the last day. I usually fit the NRS one in too somewhere. I like to shop and look at stuff...... How big is the NRS? I was thinking I might could get that and Mandalay bay in one day.
That should work. They give door prizes to the first 100 (?) at NRS. Last year I got there about 15 minutes before they opened the door and the line was around the building already.....
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Hummm.. what kind of door prizes? I might could get up early for that!! lol |
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 Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | the trade shows are like a mosh pit....lol.....if you get there first thing its not to bad but early after noon...OMG............makes me want to stand in one spot and spin around swinging my purse screaming "my space my space"..............the mirage is the place to be saturday night after the final perf :).....the hotels are all close enough that it probably will be a pita to switch ....
most of the shuttles leave around 430 so you are at the rodeo 530ish..its really early and one of the reason why we dont go to the rodeo any more...and leaving is a nightmare, i mean WOW its packed
m |
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 "Spaz-tacular"!!
Posts: 20309
Location: Bennett, CO | Mandalay Bay and Cowboy Christmas at the Convention center are quite similar in what they have. NRS is always fun, and lots to see... and its easy to shop as you can get a basket and only one check out point. I prefered staying at MGM as the smoke seemed less all thru the building....plus I felt a little more centrally located.. Cound take tram to Mandalay, and the monorail had amn MGM stop. At the rodeo- I liked to be there 45 min to 1 hour ahead, but we always got nosebleed seats. We usually rode the bus from Cowboys Christmas to the Thomas and Mack... got us there early but it was lots better to go that route than the headache in a taxi.. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Thank you!! I will try to be up early shopping!! We're only going to the 12/9 and 12/10 performances, so I think we will stick to the MGM... esp. if it's not as smoke filled! I'm afraid I'm not prepared enough and don't have my days mapped out, but I just want a relaxing, go with the flow vacation for once!!
Are a lot of the custom tack vendors sold out by the second week? I was wanting a new set, but I'm afraid everything might be picked over. |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | Longneck - 2014-12-03 9:12 AM
Thank you!! I will try to be up early shopping!! We're only going to the 12/9 and 12/10 performances, so I think we will stick to the MGM... esp. if it's not as smoke filled! I'm afraid I'm not prepared enough and don't have my days mapped out, but I just want a relaxing, go with the flow vacation for once!!
Are a lot of the custom tack vendors sold out by the second week? I was wanting a new set, but I'm afraid everything might be picked over.
no..they bring so much there is plenty to go around.......:)
m
we are always there for the 2nd half and never had an issue with nothing left... |
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 Vodka for Lunch
Location: Lala Land | When we went last year I went to get something specifically from Running Roan Sat afternoon and she was sold out of it, but I found something else I couldn't live without! But it was soo crowded, we'd went early in the morning when we got there to a different location and it was fine.
I did see the Mirage has a buffet with unlimited beer/wine this year.  |
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I Am a Snake Killer
Posts: 1927
Location: Golden Gulf Coast of Texas | One good thing about NRS is there are times it's not very crowded and you can get one on one time with contestants that are sponsors for certain products there. I walked past a booth Sherry Cervi was in and no one was there so she spoke to me awhile about the Martin saddles. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Awesome. I know that Western Dove said she was only taking 4 sets to Vegas, but maybe she'll have pictures of designs to get an idea.... and there is a set from Running Roan that blows everything else out of the water, but my luck it will be gone.... but I see a bunch of other things I like from her as well! I guess if it's sold out it just wasn't meant to be!! |
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"Spaz-tacular"!!
Posts: 20309
Location: Bennett, CO | For those of you flying: dont forget to pack an extra bag to haul your purchases home.. I used an old soft sided duffel bag that I shoved into my carry on for the trip down, and then used it as a checked bag on the way home. |
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Texas Taco
Posts: 7499
Location: Bandera, TX | gotothewhip - 2014-12-02 12:45 PM For those of you flying: dont forget to pack an extra bag to haul your purchases home.. I used an old soft sided duffel bag that I shoved into my carry on for the trip down, and then used it as a checked bag on the way home.
That.... Or, you need to buy something that comes with a free duffle bag with purchase. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 538
Location: Nevada | So hubby and I are wanting to go down for the last few rounds. Don't think we are going to the rodeo as we will be taking our 3yr old. This will be the first time going and we really just want to go to shop. I have heard that some hotels play it on a big screen and you can just sit and watch. Is this true and if so which hotels? Or can we take a 3 year old with out paying for her own seat? Thank You
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"Spaz-tacular"!!
Posts: 20309
Location: Bennett, CO | I think most of the hotels do.. MGM has a big viewing area
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"Spaz-tacular"!!
Posts: 20309
Location: Bennett, CO | GoMistyGo - 2014-12-02 12:04 PM gotothewhip - 2014-12-02 12:45 PM For those of you flying: dont forget to pack an extra bag to haul your purchases home.. I used an old soft sided duffel bag that I shoved into my carry on for the trip down, and then used it as a checked bag on the way home. That.... Or, you need to buy something that comes with a free duffle bag with purchase.
LOL... the NRS gigantic bags are reason enough to buy something there... They are handy as heck, and I have them in several colors!
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | gotothewhip - 2014-12-02 1:17 PM GoMistyGo - 2014-12-02 12:04 PM gotothewhip - 2014-12-02 12:45 PM For those of you flying: dont forget to pack an extra bag to haul your purchases home.. I used an old soft sided duffel bag that I shoved into my carry on for the trip down, and then used it as a checked bag on the way home. That.... Or, you need to buy something that comes with a free duffle bag with purchase.
sooo... how big of a bag are we talking about?? I guess I should go ahead and book another bag on the trip home before it just gets more expensive! |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | kendra_turn_n_burn - 2014-12-02 1:07 PM So hubby and I are wanting to go down for the last few rounds. Don't think we are going to the rodeo as we will be taking our 3yr old. This will be the first time going and we really just want to go to shop. I have heard that some hotels play it on a big screen and you can just sit and watch. Is this true and if so which hotels? Or can we take a 3 year old with out paying for her own seat? Thank You
From the looks of the Mirage website they have a big viewing party... but take my info with a grain of salt! This is my first year going. |
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Regular
Posts: 78
| Mirage is a great place to watch the rodeo. Drink specials, big screen , live feed. Lots of people. Its fun  |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Yeah I was wondering where to watch the perf.
I'm going Friday thru Sunday....quick trip. |
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  Expert
Posts: 1960
Location: NW Arkansas | Longneck - 2014-12-02 12:54 PM kendra_turn_n_burn - 2014-12-02 1:07 PM So hubby and I are wanting to go down for the last few rounds. Don't think we are going to the rodeo as we will be taking our 3yr old. This will be the first time going and we really just want to go to shop. I have heard that some hotels play it on a big screen and you can just sit and watch. Is this true and if so which hotels? Or can we take a 3 year old with out paying for her own seat? Thank You From the looks of the Mirage website they have a big viewing party... but take my info with a grain of salt! This is my first year going.
We stayed at The Mirage last year. The Mirage viewing area is in the middle of the casino and flanked by California Kitchen on one side and a bar on the other. The crowd is pretty rowdy (especially later on when they have the Rodeo Vegas after the rodeo party). It's a great place to see NFR contestants. I don't know if I'd bring a 3 year old into it... And getting tickets to the last few perfs might be difficult and expensive. |
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 Banjo and Baby
Posts: 7259
Location: South of Canada and North of Mexico | we like the Gold Coast for Li è feed but this year we are going to the Hard Rock as Cowgirl tuff has the room rented out plus shopping. Check out their nfr fb page (cowgirl tuff). |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | hammer_time - 2014-12-03 8:40 PM Yeah I was wondering where to watch the perf. I'm going Friday thru Sunday....quick trip. any lounge will have it on.......gillys, toby keith's, the mirage....never had to pay to watch it.....
m
Edited by mruggles 2014-12-03 9:03 AM
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Vodka for Lunch
Location: Lala Land | Toby Keith's is a lot of fun to watch at, and they usually have a good band after. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | I've always wanted to go to the NFR. I need to make this happen. I'm just such a planner it will take me a lot of research to decide what to do.
My SO and I joke that if we ever get married it should be during the NFR in Vegas...with an Elvis impersonator officiating |
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 Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | This will be our 3rd time to the NRF, the 1st time I tried to plan everything, but got shot down by my friends. (We go with multiple couples, so lots of fun!) And after that I decided the only thing I "plan" is, is what I plan to buy.... like the 1st year I got boots, the 2nd year I got a CSI pad, and this year I will be looking for a headstall/ breastcollar set.
Other than that, just go with the flow, and enjoy! |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | cranky B4 10am - 2014-12-03 9:51 AM This will be our 3rd time to the NRF, the 1st time I tried to plan everything, but got shot down by my friends. (We go with multiple couples, so lots of fun!) And after that I decided the only thing I "plan" is, is what I plan to buy.... like the 1st year I got boots, the 2nd year I got a CSI pad, and this year I will be looking for a headstall/ breastcollar set.
Other than that, just go with the flow, and enjoy!
That's how I'm trying to be, but I'm like TrailGirl and always have everything planned out!!
My biggest fear is missing a trade show. lol... but I guess if that's your biggest fear on a vacation everything should be alright!!
My to do list includes:
Barrel Racer autograph session
Watch the Bellagio fountain show
See the chocolate fountain at Bellagio
Eat at Pink's
Visit all the tack set vendors on my list
and last but not least..... eat my weight in canolis from Buddy V's.
What is everyone elses??? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| Longneck - 2014-12-03 10:04 AM
cranky B4 10am - 2014-12-03 9:51 AM This will be our 3rd time to the NRF, the 1st time I tried to plan everything, but got shot down by my friends. (We go with multiple couples, so lots of fun!) And after that I decided the only thing I "plan" is, is what I plan to buy.... like the 1st year I got boots, the 2nd year I got a CSI pad, and this year I will be looking for a headstall/ breastcollar set.
Other than that, just go with the flow, and enjoy!
That's how I'm trying to be, but I'm like TrailGirl and always have everything planned out!!
My biggest fear is missing a trade show. lol... but I guess if that's your biggest fear on a vacation everything should be alright!!
My to do list includes:
Barrel Racer autograph session
Watch the Bellagio fountain show
See the chocolate fountain at Bellagio
Eat at Pink's
Visit all the tack set vendors on my list
and last but not least..... eat my weight in canolis from Buddy V's.
What is everyone elses???
Also go see the Christmas set up that Bellagio has in their Atrium while you are there!! Its gorgeous every year.
Hopefully we get everything done on our list!
Thursday: Mandalay Bay and NRS trade shows, 1st perf
Friday: Watch the Queens Horsemanship Comp and shop at Cowboy Christmas, 2nd perf
Saturday: check out Binions Bucking horse sale, see southpoint trade show, 3rd perf
Sunday: Elevation Sunday at MGM; shop at Sands convention and try to see the stock dog show, 4th perf
We dont really do any of the "Vegas" touist things because we have been so many times but I would like to catch a ride on the new High Roller Wheel!
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Banjo and Baby
Posts: 7259
Location: South of Canada and North of Mexico | kboltwkreations - 2014-12-03 1:01 PM Longneck - 2014-12-03 10:04 AM cranky B4 10am - 2014-12-03 9:51 AM This will be our 3rd time to the NRF, the 1st time I tried to plan everything, but got shot down by my friends. (We go with multiple couples, so lots of fun!) And after that I decided the only thing I "plan" is, is what I plan to buy.... like the 1st year I got boots, the 2nd year I got a CSI pad, and this year I will be looking for a headstall/ breastcollar set.
Other than that, just go with the flow, and enjoy! That's how I'm trying to be, but I'm like TrailGirl and always have everything planned out!!
My biggest fear is missing a trade show. lol... but I guess if that's your biggest fear on a vacation everything should be alright!!
My to do list includes:
Barrel Racer autograph session
Watch the Bellagio fountain show
See the chocolate fountain at Bellagio
Eat at Pink's
Visit all the tack set vendors on my list
and last but not least..... eat my weight in canolis from Buddy V's.
What is everyone elses??? Also go see the Christmas set up that Bellagio has in their Atrium while you are there!! Its gorgeous every year. Hopefully we get everything done on our list! Thursday: Mandalay Bay and NRS trade shows, 1st perf Friday: Watch the Queens Horsemanship Comp and shop at Cowboy Christmas, 2nd perf Saturday: check out Binions Bucking horse sale, see southpoint trade show, 3rd perf Sunday: Elevation Sunday at MGM; shop at Sands convention and try to see the stock dog show, 4th perf We dont really do any of the "Vegas" touist things because we have been so many times but I would like to catch a ride on the new High Roller Wheel!
Oh Im going to have to see the Christmas at the Bellagio!! |
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Good Grief!
Posts: 6343
Location: Cap'n Joan Rotgut.....alberta | the one thing im gonna go see this year is the mob museum.....and i dont care if i have to go by myself......lol but darn it im going
m |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Bellagio tree is added to my list!!
does anyone know who all is at the MB trade show? I can only seem to find the 2013 list! |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Longneck - 2014-12-03 5:55 PM
Bellagio tree is added to my list!!
does anyone know who all is at the MB trade show? I can only seem to find the 2013 list!
Double J is at Mandalay. My daughter is working there. Can hardly wait to get there and see her! |
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Every year our daughter and I make this list of what we are going to do and we're lucky if we get half done..LOL This year she said she's going to make me stay out late. She forgets when we come in at 1 AM it's actually 3 AM for me. |
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| Arkiecanchaser - 2014-12-02 10:14 PM Longneck - 2014-12-02 12:54 PM kendra_turn_n_burn - 2014-12-02 1:07 PM So hubby and I are wanting to go down for the last few rounds. Don't think we are going to the rodeo as we will be taking our 3yr old. This will be the first time going and we really just want to go to shop. I have heard that some hotels play it on a big screen and you can just sit and watch. Is this true and if so which hotels? Or can we take a 3 year old with out paying for her own seat? Thank You From the looks of the Mirage website they have a big viewing party... but take my info with a grain of salt! This is my first year going.
I have often wondered about this--how young is too young to take kids to the whole "party"?? Have any of you taken little kids??
Don't want to hijack the thread......just wondered |
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| Is Cowgirl Tuff only at the Hard Rock? In years past they've been at NRS at MGM but they are not on their list this year. Are they having the buy 2 get 1 free sale on their jeans this year? It's been one of my favorite things to buy. |
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Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Is there a website where you can view what vendors are where? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 887
Location: MN | Cinchy girl - 2014-12-03 10:37 PM Is Cowgirl Tuff only at the Hard Rock? In years past they've been at NRS at MGM but they are not on their list this year. Are they having the buy 2 get 1 free sale on their jeans this year? It's been one of my favorite things to buy.
Cowgirl Tuff is hosting their own vendor hall and other entertainment at Hard Rock. |
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | I like that advice! I've been so worried about planning I'm not having fun anymore! I didn't want to miss out on anything. Sounds like just going and having fun and see what happens is going to be the plan! |
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Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | watchpeppydoc - 2014-12-03 1:14 PM kboltwkreations - 2014-12-03 1:01 PM Longneck - 2014-12-03 10:04 AM cranky B4 10am - 2014-12-03 9:51 AM This will be our 3rd time to the NRF, the 1st time I tried to plan everything, but got shot down by my friends. (We go with multiple couples, so lots of fun!) And after that I decided the only thing I "plan" is, is what I plan to buy.... like the 1st year I got boots, the 2nd year I got a CSI pad, and this year I will be looking for a headstall/ breastcollar set.
Other than that, just go with the flow, and enjoy! That's how I'm trying to be, but I'm like TrailGirl and always have everything planned out!!
My biggest fear is missing a trade show. lol... but I guess if that's your biggest fear on a vacation everything should be alright!!
My to do list includes:
Barrel Racer autograph session
Watch the Bellagio fountain show
See the chocolate fountain at Bellagio
Eat at Pink's
Visit all the tack set vendors on my list
and last but not least..... eat my weight in canolis from Buddy V's.
What is everyone elses??? Also go see the Christmas set up that Bellagio has in their Atrium while you are there!! Its gorgeous every year. Hopefully we get everything done on our list! Thursday: Mandalay Bay and NRS trade shows, 1st perf Friday: Watch the Queens Horsemanship Comp and shop at Cowboy Christmas, 2nd perf Saturday: check out Binions Bucking horse sale, see southpoint trade show, 3rd perf Sunday: Elevation Sunday at MGM; shop at Sands convention and try to see the stock dog show, 4th perf We dont really do any of the "Vegas" touist things because we have been so many times but I would like to catch a ride on the new High Roller Wheel!
Ow, the Bellagio sounds like fun. Will definitely try to work that in. And we talked about going to Freemont street this year. So looks to be a full agenda again... but we are there once a year, so better make the most of it. But I won't stress too much about it if we are not making it to either....  |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | hammer_time - 2014-12-04 12:58 AM
Is there a website where you can view what vendors are where?
www.nfrexperience.com has their list and the others (sands, mb, etc.) have websites, but I'm finding that most of them are from 2013. I have been tracking down all the individuals that I want to see, but nothing concrete on all the other hundreds of vendors! Lol |
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 Roan On The Range
Posts: 7889
Location: Stephenville, TX | mruggles - 2014-12-02 10:42 AM Longneck - 2014-12-03 9:12 AM Thank you!! I will try to be up early shopping!! We're only going to the 12/9 and 12/10 performances, so I think we will stick to the MGM... esp. if it's not as smoke filled! I'm afraid I'm not prepared enough and don't have my days mapped out, but I just want a relaxing, go with the flow vacation for once!!
Are a lot of the custom tack vendors sold out by the second week? I was wanting a new set, but I'm afraid everything might be picked over. no..they bring so much there is plenty to go around.......:) m we are always there for the 2nd half and never had an issue with nothing left...
I have a secret stash of goods that we're putting out in the booth as space opens up  Tryin' to keep it fresh! Christy Loflin is gonna sign autographs in our booth on Tuesday at 11. Booth 1361 at the Sands!  |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Running Roan - 2014-12-06 11:23 PM mruggles - 2014-12-02 10:42 AM Longneck - 2014-12-03 9:12 AM Thank you!! I will try to be up early shopping!! We're only going to the 12/9 and 12/10 performances, so I think we will stick to the MGM... esp. if it's not as smoke filled! I'm afraid I'm not prepared enough and don't have my days mapped out, but I just want a relaxing, go with the flow vacation for once!!
Are a lot of the custom tack vendors sold out by the second week? I was wanting a new set, but I'm afraid everything might be picked over. no..they bring so much there is plenty to go around.......:) m we are always there for the 2nd half and never had an issue with nothing left... I have a secret stash of goods that we're putting out in the booth as space opens up Tryin' to keep it fresh! Christy Loflin is gonna sign autographs in our booth on Tuesday at 11. Booth 1361 at the Sands!
Awesome!!! I have my eye on a specific set!! |
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I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I had a vendor guide for Mandalay Bay and Sands and I left it in the rental car. Darn it.. |
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Last minute Vegas questions