The Reno Rodeo is back, but this year it is adding a few vamped-up features, including two new roping events, an expanded Silver Spurs Mercantile and a new speakeasy lounge, the Doc Bar.
Wednesday night's events heated things up as the Rodeo got underway, and organizers say they are excited about the expanded new additions.
"We also have the same feature in the mercantile, in the indoor arena there is a reader board, which will also show the rodeo called the tail gate, will kind of be in that area also, where you can watch the rodeo and don't have to have a ticket," said Larry Stacy, former president of the Reno Rodeo. "As far as the exhibit hall, the silver mercantile, you get everything, you can furnish your house if you want. There's leather goods up there, jeans, hats, belts, jewelry, candy, you name it, it's there at both places."
The Reno Rodeo kick‑off concert featured Scotty McCreery as the headline act.
This year's expanded Silver Spurs mercantile features over 100 vendors showcasing handmade leather goods, cowboy hats, western art, décor, boutique fashion, and more.
"This is my first time coming to the Reno Rodeo," said Melissa Mclaren, western fashion founder of The Southern Bohemian, "I'm in the rodeo circuit but officially this is my first time. Super excited to be here. I've heard nothing but great things. I sell Wrangler Montana West Myra bags, and they come in all different varieties. We got some small pouches up to some conceal carry bags with cute little pouch on the back, for your concealed weapon, and I have some larger bags."
The Rodeo grounds are open from 11 .a.m. to 11 p.m.
Organizers say the decked out new Doc Bar is bringing live music, a custom-made bar and lounge area for the nightly viewing parties, and former rodeo CEO Stacy adds, that it will be airing rodeo coverage on giant video boards. It will also have live DJs, and concessions.
