It’s not all cowboys at the National Finals Rodeo — PHOTOS

By Rachel Aston Las Vegas-Review Journal

9 years ago

A flag girl rides towards the arena at the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal

Miss Rodeo America Lauren Heaton gets her horse ready for the start of the fifth night of the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Barrel racer Fallon Taylor waits behind the arena at the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Fans watch the action at the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Horses with decorations are seen backstage at the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Melanie Hall, a member of the saddle crew, is seen at the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Barrel racers Michele Mcleod, right, and Carley Richardson wait for the start of the fifth night of the National Finals Rodeo in the warm up tent behind the arena at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. At left is Kevin Dalluge. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Wrangler model Robyn Calarco blows a kiss to a child in line for the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

Melinda Lee, a flag girl, waits for the start of the fifth night of the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. Rachel Aston/Las Vegas-Review Journal Follow @rookie__rae

When folks think of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo they of course think of the cowboys. It is the Super Bowl of rodeos, after all. But there is a place for cowgirls as well. They compete in barrel racing in the arena. Elsewhere, women take part in the flag ceremonies, help behind the scenes and serve as royalty through the Miss Rodeo America program.

In addition to packing the Thomas & Mack Center with top rodeo action, the event attracts hundreds of vendors, including the Cowboy Christmas show, as well as entertainers and other special events in hotels and casinos on the Strip and elsewhere. The 10-day National Finals Rodeo wraps up Saturday.