For over 100 years, Denver has played host to the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show. It first opened on January 29, 1906 for six-days with 336 entries. Now, the show runs 16-days and is filled with livestock shows, horse shows, professional rodeos and just like the good ole’ day, The Wild West Show. This year marked the 12th consecutive year the National Western reported attendance of more than 600,000 spectators. It’s come along way since its debut beneath a circus bigtop.
This is an annual event in my family. Usually sandwiched between a snow storms, this year was a treat as every day was surrounded by sunny, warm weather. As always, there is plenty of shopping for any attendee from beef jerky to western apparel to whatever equipment you might need for your farm or ranch. My purchase this year was one of those belts with all the “blingapostrophe. My favorite events include the Mexican Rodeo, draft horses and last but certainly not least is the Muttin’ Bustin’. If you’re not familiar with this particular attraction, it’s when parents put their small children (5-7 years of age) on the back of a sheep and the child hangs on. The one that holds on the longest, wins. But if you’ve ever been to this event, you’ll know that all the contestants receive trophies usually taller than they stand. I remember the first time I witnessed this competition, I nearly fell off my seat laughing. And, I will be back next year for more of the same. I hope to see you there!
To plan for next year, be sure to visit http://www.nationalwestern.com/.