There’s something in the air in Denver, come January. While visitors and the uninitiated might hold their noses and say “Peee-yooooo, what is that?” the rest of us will say “Oh, that’s just the National Western Stock Show in town.” It’s a pungent time but it’s big fun that has been in Denver for 108 years!
A scene from the Wild West Show during the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy National Western Stock Show.
From January 11-26, according to the website, more than 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, alpacas, bison, yak, poultry and rabbits step foot on the grounds of the show.
In addition to all of the animals, there are more than 250 vendors showing everything from art and jewelry to household items and agricultural products.
Then there are the really fun ticketed events such as the rodeo, bull riding, Super Dogs show, Evening of Dancing Horses®, draft horses, an adorable Stick Horse Rodeo and much more. Tickets to those events include grounds admission to see everything else.
Kids love, love, love the Stock Show as do adults of all ages. It’s a great chance for kids to get a glimpse into another way of life and to meet other kids their age who get up at 4am to tend their animals, work on the farm, go to school and come home to do it all again. They are hard workers and it’s inspiring!
The Stick Horse Rodeo at the National Western Stock Show. Photo courtesy NWSS.
The National Western Stock Show is the perfect opportunity for residents and out-of-towners to get in touch with Colorado’s inner cowboy history (and present) while also taking in all of the wonderful museums, theater, parks, skiing and great restaurants and hotels the city has to offer. It’s a fun time in the midst of winter in Denver.
Courtney is a mother of 4 and Colorado native. She writes the In Good Taste Denver blog, news a reviews of restaurants, movies, theater and travel.
