Livestock owners hard at work to present their livestock for rankings. photo by Madelyn Staples
The new year was kicked off by the Denver tradition of hosting the National Western Stock Show.
The middle of January is such a celebrated time for many, as it starts off the new year welcomes the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) from January 11th and the Stock Show closed on January 26th. With all of the event’s attractions throughout three different buildings, the stock show brings in over 650,000 people annually. This Colorado classic began in 1906 and has stayed up and running for an impressive 114 years. It has continued to strengthen American agriculture through the enrichment and youth education programs. This charitable organization provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural-related fields of study.
The NWSS draws in people from everywhere around the United States. It even has a separate department for the National Western International Agribusiness that hosts 500 guests from 30 different countries, to experience the festivities and excitement of the annual stock show. The stock show has an overwhelming amount of attractions for people. Visitors can watch a rodeo or several, buy and sell animals, learn about agriculture, take a glimpse into farm life, see a variety of animals, and so much more. “I really do think the Stock Show does a good job of bringing more focus to agriculture because it shows the importance of it all,” explained junior Lauren Reid. The event boasts a family friendly environment as there is a kids’ area separate from the attractions, which includes a petting zoo, pony rides, incubators, places to witness newborn animals interact with their mothers, and several more activities that teach children about all the agricultural animals. These animals are necessary for farm life, and they include: horses, cows, bulls, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, and pigs. Kids can learn about these animals and are shown the work that goes into farming and agriculture. Kids are able to see behind the scenes of what goes on in agriculture in hopes that they will carry on farming traditions.
The NWSS is also a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the buying and selling of farm animals and the importance of ranking livestock. People come from all over the globe to go to the auctions to either sell or buy junior livestock champions which come from the judging of livestock. Of course, there are other classics that many Coloradans know and love: the area where the cows are groomed, the horse stables where horses prepare to perform, the pens with goats and sheep where the wool from the sheep is used to demonstrate how knitting and sewing can be performed, the horse area where barrel racing takes place, and one cannot forget the stadium where all of the rodeos and events happen like mutton busting, where young children are secured to sheep to see how long they are able hold on.
The stock show also features attractions that stray from livestock and agriculture which include: an art exhibit that featured the artist Sophy Brown, the parade that starts off the stock show in downtown Denver, and the Xtreme dog show. The attractions that draw the most people are the several food areas, both indoor and outdoor, that are busy from open to close. Visitors can get anything from turkey legs to deep fried oreos. The NWSS is also known for their out of this world funnel cakes that are loaded with tons of tasty treats. Guests are able to get pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, extreme curly fries, sausages, several different types of sandwiches, loads and loads of barbeque, and other sweet and savory treats to satisfy their taste buds.
The National Western Stock Show has something anyone and everyone can enjoy. The Colorado tradition has stayed strong for over 100 years and never disappoints. This year was the second highest attended show in history, with a grand attendance of 707,922 guests. “Each person plays an important role, helping us keep the Western tradition alive right here in the heart of Denver,” mentioned Paul Andrews, the NWSS President and CEO, while thanking every visitor, volunteer, and contestant for attending the event. The stock show is an annual treat for many Coloradans and is appreciated by people all over the world.
