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Denver's Rodeo Extravaganza

© Diana Rowe Martinez

As 2000 evaporates behind us, the steam rises on Denver's 2001 National Western Stock Show, Rodeo & Horse Show, Jan. 6-21. What better time than the bitter cold of January for a rodeo, where you can follow your nose to the best entertainment in town?

National Western is a Denver tradition since 1906, although cattlemen and livestock commission merchants attempted several stock shows at Denver stockyards in the 1880s and again in early 1900. The initial site selected was near the Denver stockyards on the South Platte River, and this is still the location of the 2001 show.

The first show opened on Jan. 29, 1906, and ran for six days, with attendance estimated at 15,000. Visitors included stockmen from Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago and even some eastern cities. The Grand Champion steer sold for 33 cents a pound, a whopping 23 cents over market price. Transportation for this first event consisted of streetcars, horse drawn carriages and special trains from Union Depot. Admission was free.

The next two rodeos were held in a 150x175 tent, with the Horse Division being added to the Livestock Show in 1907. The newly constructed (and still standing), 6,000 seat National Amphitheater hosted the 1909 show and was provided by the Denver Union Stockyard Company.

Today's Denver goes all out for its western roots beginning with the Boots and Business Luncheon, hosted downtown on Friday, Jan. 6th. On Jan. 9, line up with the rest of the fans and watch the infamous Downtown Denver Stock Show Parade at noon. The Denver Art Museum is presenting for stock show fans a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, "Painters and the American West" through Jan. 21. Remington, Russell, Moran, Catlin, Bierstadt and O'Keefe are among the featured artists.

Country is in during National Western. Located minutes from the National Western facility is the Grizzly Rose Saloon and Dance Emporium where stock show, live country music concerts are showing throughout the week. Take in Neal McCoy, Chad Brock, Ricochet, Rascal Flatts, Great Divide and Andy Griggs for a few extra bucks, always followed by live, local bands.

Drive a little further to Steamboat Springs and bundle up warm to watch the 27th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill on Jan. 16th.

The National Western is more than just a rodeo. Serious stockmen still travel here for the Livestock Show, and the animals aren'tjust your everyday farm ones. Sure, there are cattle, horses, goat, sheep and poultry, but how about taking a look at the West's best? Rocky Mountain favorites found here are bison, elk, llama and yak. Anyone for a Cashmere Goat Show? Skip on down to the livestock center and you'll even catch a few more shows from Dog Pulls to Dog Shows, National Angus Bull or Hereford Shows, Cutting Horse Contests and the typical local 4-H shows for the kids in the area. Today's National Western gives you a lot more bang for your buck.