COSTUME CONTESTS AT THE 9TH ANNUAL SASS CONVENTION

If you are planning on coming to the SASS Convention the costume contest may be just up your alley. Here is what it is all about.

By Cat Ballou, SASS #55

SASS costuming creates both the environment and shared attitude that sets the tone for camaraderie unequaled in other shooting events. In fact, costuming has evolved into an art form of its own. Some SASS members enjoy the costuming aspect of our sport as much or even more than the shooting! 

 The Tombstone Ball provides SASS the opportunity to conduct an outstanding Formal Wear Contest. This formal Ball sets the standards for costuming. And, the Saloon Night Costume Contest creates an atmosphere of fun and frivolity for participants attired as Classic Cowboys and Cowgirls, Saloon Girls, and B-Western/Silver Screen heroes and heroines. 



This year’s costume events will be organized and managed by Fannie Kikinshoot, Lady LaSalle, Green Eyed Gypsy and Shotglass. We are excited about their taking charge of the responsibilities of the contests. 



The Convention’s Costume Contests are sponsored for the 9th year by our good friends—Wild West Mercantile of Mesa, Arizona—C. S. Fly and Claudia Feather, Proprietors. We thank them again for their continuing sponsorship.


THE RULES

All costume contest
entrants MUST be registered as Conventioneers. However, there are no entry forms to be turned in to SASS Registration in order to participate. All costume contest entrants will sign in at the appropriate times and dates and present their attire to a panel of judges.


SALOON NIGHT CONTEST

Saloon Night contestants do not have to pre-register. Just show up Thursday, December 9th by 7:30 PM at the Top of the Riv Ballroom, sign in, and present your duds to the judges. Awards from first to
third will be given that evening during a break in the music. Categories are Classic Cowboy, Classic Cowgirl, Saloon Girl, B-Western/Silver Screen Male, and B-Western/Silver Screen Female.


BEST DRESSED CONTEST

You do not have to pre-register to enter the Best Dressed Costume Contest held on Saturday night, December 11th. Just show up in your finest at 5:00 PM at the Capri Range (site of the indoor wax bullet match), sign in, and
present your finery to our panel of judges. Best Dressed categories are Men, Ladies, Couples, and Military. A special themed Tombstone category will also be judged. Contestants will be judged on the following criterion—Authenticity, Originality, and Detail (including hats, gloves, jewelry, and other appropriate accessories). Presentation
is no longer a requirement – it is now an option. Original or “off the rack” clothing is acceptable as long as it is “period correct” and relates to SASS Cowboy Action Shooting™. Please, no Velcro and no
zippers.


At 8:00 PM in the Top of The Riv Ballroom, there will be a promenade of all contestants around the dance floor, either solo or in tandem with their lady/gentlemen (for Couples division). Awards, from
first to third place in each category, will be presented immediately following the promenade.

Be sure to check out and sign up for all the
exciting costume seminars available this year for Ladies and Gents.
Viva Las Vegas!