Barrel racing legend Charmayne James was preparing to compete in the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 1985 when casino owner Benny Binion approached to greet her and her horse, Scamper.
Binion, draped in his signature long fur coat, made an unforgettable first impression.
“I remember that buffalo fur jacket and wanting to meet my horse,” she said. “He had quite a presence, especially when you are a 15-year-old.”
It was Binion’s vision and influence that helped bring the rodeo to Las Vegas from Oklahoma City. The 10-day event kicks off its 40th year in Southern Nevada today, boasting 379 consecutive sellouts dating to 1987 and delivering a boost to the typically slow December tourism season.
