Every Coloradoan has a little cowboy in them. Indulge in the Wild, Wild, West at the 109th annual National Western Stock Show.
The Stock Show is running now until January 25th at the National Western Complex. Kicking off with the downtown Denver parade on January 8th, here are 10 awesome things to do at the National Western Stock show.
1. Stock Show Parade in Denver
The annual Stock Show Parade happened this year on January 8th! Always the initial event that lets Denver know the Stock Show has arrived, the parade winds its way through lower downtown. We are particularly fond of the view as the parade comes around the new Union Station. Stallions, bulls and the most coveted rodeo riders all strut their stuff. View the full gallery by 303 Magazine photographer Kim Baker here.
2. Go to the Rodeo
There is no rodeo championship quite like those this upcoming week at the National Western Stock Show. We have a killer 2015 Rodeo gallery for 303 Magazine with original photos by Kim Baker here. Yee-haw! Find a full rodeo event schedule here.
3. Eat a giant turkey leg
No explanation needed.
4. Catch-A-Calf
The program is designed so successful participants catch a calf, feed it and return with the animal one year later as a market steer. The 2015 Catch-A-Calf schedule includes the placing of the 2015 calves in the Stadium Arena on January 11 at 10:00 a.m and is FREE with your Grounds Admission ticket. Catch-A-Calf contests in the Coliseum will be held on Thursday, 1/15, Saturday, 1/17 and Sunday, 1/18.
5. Colorado Fiddle Championships
Nothing says stock show like a good-ol’-fashioned fiddle off. The Colorado Old Time Fiddlers’ Association (COTFA) is dedicated to fiddling of all kinds, with a special emphasis on contest (Texas Style) fiddling. This fun event takes place on the opening weekend of Stock Show in the Beef Palace Arena.
6. Chainsaw Carving with the High Country Carvers
The High Country Carvers is truly a sight to see. There is no limit to what Travis can do with his chainsaw. He carves a variety of animals on a regular basis, as well as many custom signs and logos for businesses. Attend this Sunday at 1pm, 1/18.
7. Kid Cowboys Extraordinaire
The Stock Show has its share of talented young cowboys. From left to right, 11-year-old Adam is in the grey/blue paisley shirt and is the Reserve Champion. Jack is in the center, and at 11 years old is the National Finals Junior. He rides bulls because it’s fun (loves the adrenaline rush). He gets to make new friends and they become like family. His motto is “Go Big or Go Home.” 7-year-old Lane is in the little guy in grey wrangler shirt and is the Rodeo Peewee Champion.
8. Free Drink at The District
Bring in your National Western Stock Show ticket stub to get a free drink at the District, from now until January 25th. We’ll cheers to that! Find The District on 17th Ave. (1320 East 17th Avenue, Denver, CO 80218), and enjoy the patio while the sun is shining in the warmer months.
9. Mutton Bustin’
Have you ever wanted to watch some brave, strong 5-7 year olds ride a sheep at the rodeo? Well, now you can. Mutton Busting is one of the most popular rodeo events at the National Western Stock Show. If you know any kids who are eligible for this fun, cowboy activity, they can apply to take part in Mutton Bustin’ with the 2015 In-Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ Entry Form. A rodeo ticket is required to see the In-Rodeo Mutton Bustin competition at the Frontier Airlines stadium.
10. Fan Appreciation Day
The final day of the National Western Stock Show in Denver is fan appreciation day. That means cheap tickets, only $10 for adults. Kids 3-11 are $3. Kids 2 and under are always FREE. Check out this budget-friendly day at the rodeo on January 25th.
See a full National Western Stock Show schedule here!
