Urban Ranch Experience at the National Western Stock Show

If the National Western Stock Show ran all year, I think I'd go regularly. There's just that much to see! This year is my first visit to the stock show, and as a world traveler I'm impressed. I've only been in Denver a little over 2 years, but the stock show has a 102-year history in this city. Even though it's huge to me, I hear it's bursting at the seams and looking to grow even further.

Having ridden the boom and bust waves of a tech economy in Boston since the 1960's, I'd say it's worth a visit to the National Western Stock Show to learn about the true foundations of Colorado's economy. In the last week, news reports have said that what's on display at the Stock Show will be Colorado's key to surviving a national recession. As I discover the stock show, I find it's a combination of museum, state fair, and trade show, with Pro Rodeo and Pro Bull Riding and other spectacular entertainment thrown in. Whichever of these turns you on, the others will probably fascinate you as well.

Just like a state fair, there's something for everyone. I walked through a huge area for kids and families, learned about beekeeping, saw pets and farm animals, discovered the world of agriculture from seeds to fields of corn - in other words, opened my eyes wide to a world I barely know. I'm from New England, where things are on a much smaller scale. My previous experience was mostly at the Sandwich Fair in New Hampshire, where a half day will about cover it, if that. I'm also from the world of high tech, and my garden is all I know of the land. If you think programming computer is challenging, talk to the Future Farmers of America about what they've learned, you'll be amazed at what's going on. College students from Colorado State University said that the campus in Fort Collins is the best for Veterinary Science, one girl had also arrived from university-rich Massachusetts because of the offerings here.

Though the National Western Stock Show is teaching me a lot about the West and ranch and farm life, I discovered that it's not just a Western show. It's the premiere show of its kind in the entire world. They have an international reception area where I met a number of Australian cattlemen and women, who said they had traveled up to 30 hours to visit. Canadians visit in large numbers as well, and some of the livestock in the show even comes from far away ranches and farms. It's no wonder they are continuing to grow, even after 102 years!

The Stock Show is a coming-together for those whose business revolves around agriculture and animals, but it's also a celebration. The shows are fantastic, from Pro Bull Riding and Rodeos, to a Mexican Spectacular, horsemanship competitions, and even the "Stick Horse Parade" for the kids.

I love Denver, but I don't think I truly realized that I was in Colorado until my first visit to the Stock Show. Hearing politicians welcome the Ritz-Carlton Hotel by saying that Denver's not just a "cow town" anymore surprised me - livestock and agriculture are fundamental to American life, and Denver's where everyone else comes to talk "cow town" business from all over the world! As the Stock Show draws ranchers from around the world, Denver also hosted a worldwide event for Microsoft this year, and many other conventions. The combination of history, culture and modern ambitions makes Denver a desirable location. As a high-tech business traveler, it's always refreshing to find a city which has a true identity and local pride that differentiate it. You can share that pride as you visit the Stock Show and see how high-tech agriculture is in Colorado, also.

As was reported in the news this week, Colorado has two Aces up its sleeve to carry the state economy through rough times on the national scene: agriculture, and renewable energy. I can understand that a whole lot better as I explore the stock show. This year there will be a seminar on renewable energy in agriculture as well. As a fairly new resident of Denver, I'm even more excited about the state in which I live after seeing the exhibits and talking with the people representing suppliers and ranchers and farmers.

The National Western Stock Show has lots going on this weekend and next, and continues through the week in between as well. Check out the African-American Rodeo on Martin Luther King Day (Monday), and plan to spend a full day whenever you go. There's lots of food throughout the buildings and on the grounds, too.