The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo officially begins its annual run with the Stock Show Parade at noon today (Jan. 5). Mayor Michael Hancock has also proclaimed it “Dress Western Day.”
There’s nothing new about all that. Happens every year.
This year, however, there IS something new about the Stock Show. It’s organizers are saying if they don’t expand the show’s site, it will ultimately go out of business. A proposal has been floated (and hotly contested) to move the Stock Show to a site near DIA in Aurora that will also include a Gaylord Entertainment hotel and conference center. Other developers have begun to come forward with additional ideas to aid expansion.
But this is not a blog post about the “right” idea (although we have some). This is to encourage everyone — particularly Denverites — to attend the Stock Show. Why? First of all, because it’s fun, a Denver tradition that helps connect us with our Western frontier past. Second, at some point soon it’s entirely possible Denver voters will be asked to vote on an enormous bond connected to the Stock Show’s future. By attending, you’ll better understand what the fuss is about.
Here’s the overall schedule. Or just plan a day at the rodeo. It’s time for some Western fun. Yee-HAW!