When I got to town Monday night, I was a little shocked — there just weren’t that many cowboys in town, which, as I’ve experienced, is atypical when it’s time for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

It seems I was just a little early.

While I attended the Gold Buckle Gala to honor Larry Mahan and raise money for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame with hundreds of others, the real action started Tuesday with the opening of the PRCA convention and trade show. The cowboy population increased dramatically. The welcome reception Tuesday night was evidence.

I’m thankful and blessed to be here.

It’s an honor for the contestants to play for the biggest pay in ProRodeo during the 10 days of the NFR, but it’s also a right they earned over the past 12 months on the rodeo trail. Tonight countless contestants showed those smiles and shared those awe-filled emotions.

I’m thankful and blessed to have seen it.