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The $10,000 Treasure Hunt: Everything To Know About The KKLZ Jingle Bell Rock Contest And The 2024 Winners

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The annual Jingle Bell Rock contest hosted by 96.3 KKLZ has become a cornerstone of the holiday season in Southern Nevada, transforming the Las Vegas Valley into a massive, high-stakes treasure hunt. As of today, December 25, 2025, the dust has settled on the most recent, highly-publicized event, the Jingle Bell Rock 2024, which concluded with a triumphant pair of winners claiming the coveted $10,000 grand prize. This comprehensive guide dives into the history, the rules, the legendary hosts, and the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 hunt.

The promotion, orchestrated by the iconic Mike & Carla Morning Show, draws thousands of listeners who follow cryptic daily clues in a frantic search for a single, physical rock hidden somewhere in Clark County. It is a tradition that epitomizes the festive spirit and community engagement of the Classic Hits radio station, 96.3 KKLZ, and its parent company, Beasley Media Group.

The Architects of the Hunt: Mike & Carla Morning Show Profile

The Jingle Bell Rock contest is synonymous with its hosts, Mike O'Brian and Carla Rea, who have been the voices of the Las Vegas morning commute for nearly two decades. Their chemistry and commitment to the Las Vegas community have made the annual treasure hunt a massive success. Here is a brief profile of the veteran broadcasters:

  • Mike O'Brian:
    • Role: Co-host of The Mike & Carla Morning Show and Program Director for 96.3 KKLZ.
    • Career History: A veteran broadcaster who has been a staple in Southern Nevada mornings since the early 1990s, working at stations like KLUC, KXPT, and KSTJ before KKLZ.
    • Accolades: Has been recognized as one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine.
    • Status: O'Brian is a long-standing partner with Beasley Media Group, but has recently announced his plans for retirement after nearly four decades in radio, making the Jingle Bell Rock 2024 one of his final major events.
  • Carla Rea:
    • Role: Co-host of The Mike & Carla Morning Show.
    • Background: A seasoned comedian and radio personality who was born and raised in Nevada, having grown up in Reno.
    • Partnership: She and Mike O'Brian have been doing mornings together for almost 20 years, with over a decade at KKLZ.
    • Style: Known for her quick wit and engaging personality, she is a key part of the show's dynamic, which also includes producer Morty Sampaio.

Jingle Bell Rock 2024: The Winners and the Dramatic Conclusion

The most recent installment of this beloved annual tradition, the Jingle Bell Rock 2024 contest, once again captivated the entire Clark County area. The hunt, sponsored by Meineke Car Care Centers, officially kicked off with the "JBR elves" hiding the famous rock and the Mike & Carla Morning Show beginning to release the daily clues.

The grand prize of a substantial $10,000 was on the line, fueling intense competition among listeners. The clues, which are often cryptic and require a deep knowledge of local landmarks and history, led hunters across various parts of the Las Vegas Valley.

The search came to a thrilling end on December 19, 2024, when the rock was officially found. The winners of the $10,000 prize were the lucky duo, Tony and Cheryl Estrada. Their successful deciphering of the final clues allowed them to locate the legendary Jingle Bell Rock and bring it to the 96.3 KKLZ studios to claim their reward. This conclusion marked another successful year for the promotion, orchestrated by Mike and Carla.

The annual event is a logistical feat, with the radio station providing weekly bonus clues and managing the inevitable frenzy that accompanies a five-figure prize treasure hunt. The 2024 contest will be remembered as a particularly exciting one, especially given the context of Mike O'Brian's impending retirement.

The Mechanics of the Hunt: How the KKLZ Rock Contest Works

The Jingle Bell Rock contest is more than just a simple giveaway; it is a meticulously planned, multi-week treasure hunt that requires strategy, local knowledge, and a bit of luck. Understanding the rules is the first step to becoming a successful hunter.

The Rules and the Rock

The core of the contest revolves around a physical object: the Jingle Bell Rock. It is not an actual gemstone, but a physical rock hidden on public property within the boundaries of Clark County, Nevada. The official rules, published by Beasley Media Group, LLC, are strict:

  • Location: The rock is always hidden on public property. Hunters are explicitly warned against searching on private property, school grounds, or restricted areas, a rule that has occasionally caused historical controversy for the radio station.
  • The Clues: The Mike & Carla Morning Show releases official clues daily. These clues are the only way to narrow down the search area and are often metaphorical or historical, referencing streets, parks, or specific landmarks in Southern Nevada.
  • The Prize: The first person or group to successfully find the Jingle Bell Rock and bring it to the 96.3 KKLZ studios is awarded the $10,000 cash Grand Prize.

A History of Thrilling Finishes

The contest has a rich history of dramatic conclusions, with past winners often sharing their tales of dedication and teamwork. The 2023 contest, for example, saw the Smith-Stoller family (Angela, Logan, and Johanna) successfully locate the rock at the end of Wagonwheel, highlighting how the treasure hunt often becomes a fun, family-oriented activity.

The annual promotion has successfully established itself as a major holiday event, driving high listener engagement for the 96.3 KKLZ Classic Hits format. The popularity of the Jingle Bell Rock has created a loyal following of listeners who eagerly await the first clue each year, cementing the contest's status as a true Las Vegas tradition.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

The following entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are highly relevant to the KKLZ Jingle Bell Rock contest, providing topical depth and authority to the subject:

  • 96.3 KKLZ
  • Las Vegas radio contest
  • Mike & Carla Morning Show
  • Mike O'Brian
  • Carla Rea
  • Tony and Cheryl Estrada (2024 Winners)
  • $10,000 Grand Prize
  • Clark County, Nevada
  • Treasure hunt
  • JBR elves
  • Beasley Media Group
  • Program Director
  • Classic Hits radio
  • Meineke Car Care Centers (Sponsor)
  • Southern Nevada
  • Annual Christmas tradition
  • Contest clues
  • Slone Terranella
  • Wagonwheel (2023 location)
  • Smith-Stoller family (2023 Winners)
  • KKLZ studios
  • Veteran broadcaster
  • Reno, Nevada
  • Morty Sampaio
  • Las Vegas Ambassador Program
  • KXPT, KSTJ, KLUC (Mike's previous stations)
  • December 19, 2024 (Winning Date)
  • Official Contest Rules
The $10,000 Treasure Hunt: Everything to Know About the KKLZ Jingle Bell Rock Contest and the 2024 Winners
jingle bell rock kklz
jingle bell rock kklz

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