ALAMOSA — Beginning Jan. 11 and running until Jan. 26, the National Western Stock Show is in full swing in Denver, bringing to the forefront (and economy) not just an expansive event like no other but also one that, by its existence, is held in homage to the agrarian roots that run deep in Colorado and have since the state first became a territory.  

The event, always held in January, has become a tradition, even earning its place in the local vernacular as especially cold nights along the Front Range used to be called “stock show weather.” 

The first stock show was held in 1898.  

Denver was barely forty years old when it had been hit hard by the Panic of 1893, just five years before. After a 20-year bonanza, the silver mining industry had crashed and the bottom had fallen out of the silver market. Mines were closed; countless people lost their jobs, the stores where those people did business suffered and the catastrophe swept through the economy. 

Five years later, the city was still looking for something to inject life back into the economy, and the Western Stock Show seemed like an opportunity. 

With a population of 100,000 and describing itself as the hub for western livestock industry and the “best cattle center in the West”, the stock show was the perfect way to restore optimism and the better times that can be the result.  The hope was that the event might even go so far as to support the finishing of the longstanding unfinished buildings that lined the streets after the silver market went bust.  

With that new identity gaining ground, supporters of the city managed to wrangle the National Stock Growers Convention to be held in Denver. Widespread advertising weeks in advance paved the way for the event’s success. 

According to the “Colorado Encyclopedia”, the Rocky Mountain News wrote, “Almost every stockman of prominence in the West is here or on the way and the attendance from the Eastern states is far better than the most hopeful expected. The hotels are full to the roof and running over, but there seems to be still room at the top, and as yet everyone is being cared for, though late arrivals are compelled to do some hustling to find a bed.” 

Granted, there was a bit of a hitch in the event. A widely advertised bar-b-que was stormed by throngs of hungry locals, resulting in police officers and state militia cavalry troops trying to hold back the crowd while terrified waiters threw chunks of beef and loaves of bread at the mob. And…later, there would also be reports of police brutality.   

But none of that affected the delegates who voted – while the Stock Growers Convention was still going on – to hold the event in Denver the next year.  

In 1907, horses were added to the show, and in 1931, the rodeo became part of the event. 

Over the years that followed, the National Western Stock Show has only grown in participation, popularity, appeal and size with added events, increasing numbers of vendors, plus renovation, construction and expansion of its new facilities.  

And this year it is continuing that tradition. As stated in a press release, “The 2025 National Western Stock Show doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, and stay open through Sunday, Jan. 26.  

“The annual western lifestyle event will host nearly 30 professional rodeo performances, including Ranch Rodeo, Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza presented by Hutchison Western and Chevron, PBR Bull Riding, and MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo. The schedule includes world-class horse shows and the infamous “Super Bowl” of livestock shows when grand champion livestock will be crowned. 

“The NW Complex grounds transform into a western wonderland, offering acres of shopping, dining, and libations. Highlights include the legendary Coors Cowboy Bar in the lower barns of the Expo Hall, the Chevy Truck display in the Hall of Education, and the always-popular Petting Farm presented by King Soopers. With over 300 events and activities on the schedule, there’s something for everyone.” 

It would seem the annual National Western Stock Show has more than accomplished its mission, which reads, "To preserve the western lifestyle by providing a showcase for the agricultural industry through an emphasis on education, genetic development, innovative technology, and offering the world's largest agricultural marketing opportunities.”