The National Western Stock Show
When: January 9-24, 2010
Where: The National Western Complex. Denver
More Info: www.nationalwestern.com
Called the “Super Bowl of Cattle Shows,” the National Western Stock Show is a Denver tradition, honoring the country's rich Old West heritage. Held every January at the National Western Complex, it is the world’s largest stock show -- and each year is bigger and better than the last, with more than 15,000 animals, rodeo performances, Mexican rodeos, bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions, auctions and booths selling everything from cowboy boots to Native American jewelry. Don’t miss out on this “only-in-Denver” event, celebrating its 104th year in 2010.
New for 2010! The Stock Show’s $52.80 package (a $76 value) includes:
- 4 tickets to Super Dogs Show on 1/19 at 6:30 pm
- 4 hot dogs, 4 chips, 4 sodas
- 1 parking pass
To purchase, call 303-295-2979 and mention “Visit Denver” to receive this special package price.
History
The Stock Show’s history stretches back to the early days of the 20th century, with the inaugural event taking place in 1906. It was a big hit from the very beginning -- attendance was estimated at 15,000 with stockmen visiting from Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago and some eastern cities. By 1909, the Stock Show was attracting in excess of 100,000 spectators. In 2008, the National Western Stock Show recorded the event’s biggest opening-day in history with an attendance of 44,616 and the biggest single-day attendance on January 19 with 68,610. Previous records for opening-day and single day attendance were 41,637 set in 2006 and 68,357 set in 1999, respectively.
Highlights
What goes on at the Stock Show? The National Western hosts nearly 20 breeds of cattle during its 16-day run. In addition to the original four breeds of cattle -- Angus, Galloway, Hereford, and Shorthorn -- National Western now hosts a variety of breeds from around the globe. Visitors are able to view traditional competition among exhibitors of breeding animals ultimately used for seedstock in agricultural production (beef cattle, sheep and goats). National Western also offers competition among exhibitors of animals used primarily for recreation or companionship (llamas, poultry, rabbits and dogs). Viewing these events is all part of the Stock Show experience and can be done with a grounds admission ticket.
In addition to livestock, horse exhibitors from across the nation look to the National Western as a premier place to start their exhibition year. The horse show includes one of the top-five American Quarter Horse shows, a six-judge American Paint Horse show and the famous Draft Horse and Mule show. In addition, there are US Equestrian Federation-approved shows for hunters and jumpers, and an open division, which includes Arabians, American Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Morgans and equitation classes.
But the livestock and horse shows are just the beginning of the fun. The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza featuring bull riders and bareback riders, trick roping, mariachi and the daring Paso de la Muerte or "Death Jump” is always a popular event. The Denver Professional Bull Riders Chute-Out stars the world's best bull riders clinging to the top of an 1,800-pound mountain of muscle for eight seconds of glory. Kids will love the free petting farm, offering the opportunity to get up close and personal with 60 animals.
Additionally, the National Western Stock Show Parade, held this year on January 12 at noon, is an annual Stock Show tradition that kicks off the yearly celebrations in Downtown. Beginning at Union Station and meandering down 17th Street, the parade features marching bands, floats, horseback riders and performing cowgirls and cowboys, in addition to the incredible sight of Texas Longhorn cattle being driven through downtown Denver.