It’s that time again. If you have never been to the Stock Show think about taking a day and seeing what it is all about. It is a fun way to find out about all sorts of animals from chickens to pigs, bunnies, sheep, stock dogs and of course all sorts of horses and 20 different cattle breeds. Some of my favorite things to do:
- Visit on the grounds below the vendor area (Expo Hall) where all the cattle are being washed, blown dry and cleaned up for judging. There are some great photo and drawing opportunities, most cattle participants are happy to answer your questions and some even let you touch the cattle. Then stop in at the Cowboy Bar and have a Bourbon and Coke or a beer along with the free peanuts. I always meet some interesting people there. Last year I had a lovely conversation with two ranchers from Australia, who travel all the way from the Southern Hemisphere to this show—the big daddy of them all!
- Find the auction room in the Coliseum, talk to some ranchers and find out what the heck is going on.
- Check out all the fancy horse trailers and trucks.
- Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale. This years featured 2013 artist Jill Soukup. There are beautiful paintings, illustrations, bronzes, stop in on the reflects the west.
- Shopping, there are so many great vendors form agricultural equipment to horse gear and of course cowboy hats and boots.
- I like the English events. The Grand Prix and the Night of the Dancing Horses is fun but also check out the Draft Horse Pulls and the fancy rigs, these big gals and fellas are incredible. Find the secret door down to the paddock area in the Events Center and you can walk the aisles where all the horse are stalled for events. If you plan it right the night before the draft show they all arrive in huge tractor trailer rigs and you can stand right next to one of these gentle giants!
- Super dogs is a ticketed event filled with amazing tricks, aerial stunts and comedy antics all performed by man’s best friend. Super Dogs is one of the National Western’s hottest family events.
- For rodeo fans I hear the New Wild West Show is great. Imagine how the West was won when Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane ride into the Events Center during two Wild West Shows. Fans of all ages can reminisce of frontier days during the shoot-‘em-up antics and cowboy entertainment of the Great American Wild West Show.
When you purchase an event ticket, your entry to the grounds is included and there are both free and fee parking areas. So get on down and spend a day or two at the 107th National Western Stock Show in Denver, it is educational, fun and a great way to spend the day with your kids and friends!
Linda P
BCHA Nicker 