2024 Downtown Hoedown

By Patrick Everson

“Fun. Party. Music.”

Becky Knoth of Milwaukie, Oregon, was full of one-word answers Wednesday night. But they were the right one-word answers to describe the Downtown Hoedown, the annual kickoff to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Once again, Fremont Street Experience filled up with cowboys and cowgirls from all across the country, taking in free concerts all night to get properly revved up for 10 days of the NFR. People who don’t know each other, who’ve never met, suddenly find themselves scooting their boots to the music and having a good time together.

That was the case for Skye Duncan of Columbia Falls, Mont., and a couple of Las Vegas locals, Michelle Warren and Amanda Manzano. They were dancing away while the night’s first performer, Jenna Paulette, churned out her brand of country music.

And the three of them kept it going to pumped-in country tunes after Paulette’s set, before Chase Matthews took the stage.

“I think the Hoedown is super fun. It’s a great place to meet other people who are into the same music and this lifestyle,” said Duncan, attending her third Wrangler NFR. “I love coming to Vegas during the NFR. It’s a different crowd, people I relate to.”

Warren echoed Duncan’s sentiments.

“100 percent. I love outdoor music, I love meeting people, I love dancing. You make new friends who you get to see every year when they come back,” Warren said, noting she’s checked out all things NFR since moving here in 1996.

Eric Duncan, Skye’s brother, said he enjoys the Hoedown’s atmosphere, though at that particular moment, he was most pleased with his adult beverage. He didn’t get cheated on Fremont Street.

“That was mostly alcohol and less Coke. So I was satisfied there,” said Eric, who lives in Grover, Colo.

Getting back to Knoth, she provided a longer answer while talking about plans for the next few days. The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas tops that list.

“Because you can get unique things at different booths. You take them home, and people ask where you got those things,” Knoth said.

Knoth is in town with husband Mike and son Dylan. It’s the fourth NFR for husband and wife, while Dylan is at his sixth NFR. The Downtown Hoedown is always the place to start.

“I like the environment, the music and the drinks. I just like the energy, honestly,” Dylan said.

Paulette was feeding off that energy while performing her 45-minute set from the First Street Stage. No question, the musicians also get into the NFR spirit at the Hoedown.

“Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised at how many people showed up early tonight,” Paulette said. “It’s amazing seeing your name on the canopy screen on top of Fremont Street. I’m honored to be part of this lineup, and I love the NFR. I love this time of year.”

Paulette surely speaks for the thousands upon thousands of rodeo fans in Vegas this week.