Tuesday, January 29, 2008

a trip to the stock show

Last Friday night, Don and I went to to the National Western Stock Show here in Denver. This is an annual event and we have gone many times - mostly when the kids were young.

For those who don't know what a stock show is [I didn't know before I moved here], it is a two week long public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture. The mission of the show is: "To preserve the western lifestyle by providing a showcase for the agricultural industry through emphasis on education, genetic development, innovative technology and offering the world's largest agricultural marketing opportunities."

It's always interesting to walk around looking at everything from farming and ranching equipment to all the different animals. Or maybe you wouldn't find it interesting. I was wondering about that. I guess not everyone would enjoy that kind of thing.

I thoroughly enjoy myself at the show. I walk around the animal stalls and don't mind the smell or the muck on the ground. I can sit and eat a hot dog and funnel cake while watching a tractor pull or a dog agility competition. And of course, there's always the fun of people watching - one of my favorite pass times.

But my favorite thing about the stock show is the rodeo. I love the bronc riding, the calf roping, the barrel racing, and most of all... the bull riding. It's always a great show.

I did take my camera. Most of the pictures I took at the rodeo didn't turn out. They were blurry because those cowboys and the horses, or calves, or bulls, moved too fast for my shutter. Oh well. Here are the best ones.


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link of the day:
http://whitedwarfgame.com/

13 comments:

Momma Roar said...

Cool! We call that a farm show here. We had a local one back in early October and just the other week was the statewide one. Our local one is not very big, just animals, crafts and a few events like catching the greased pig!!
The state one is much bigger and has a rodeo as well as tractor square dancing - I always find myself watching that when it is on (the PA cable network broadcasts the events of the week) and I'm not sure why I watch it - it is so goofy!

Your giveaway is a great idea - I am so behind in my reading though, that I will pass. :)

Lori said...

I've been to many a rodeo in my life. Seems like growing up we went to the rodeo every year.

carrie said...

Love the bull riding pics!

Katy said...

That looks like so much fun!!! I would love to go to a rodeo! :) Your blog is really cute! :)

Susan said...

Haven't been to a stock show but I've been to a lot of rodeo's and love them. My brother-in-law use to rope so I was introduced to rodeos early. While in Alabama we went to a small rodeo and they had what they called "Mutton Bustin" Little kids riding lambs!!! It was sooooo funny and fun.
Susan

Humble wife said...

I love the rodeo! I really am impressed with the photos...you are quite the photographer!

I could check out all the sites, or like you watch the people, both are fun. Neat for you and Don.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been to a rodeo for years. I can't compete with that kind of excitement but... Tag You're IT!

Barb said...

Great pictures, Diana. I enjoyed going to rodeos in Oklahoma. I would have to tell myself to relax every time a rider got thrown or had a close call. You would think I was out there in the pen.

Cool quote, too.

Melissa said...

I think that my hubby would really love something like that! We always enjoyed taking the kids to see the animals and the tractors at the fair when we lived in Oregon.

Just Mom said...

Wow. These photos are pretty darn good, Diana.

Jamey said...

I love stock shows and of course they are abundant here in SD. My kids have never been so I will have to think about taking them! It sounds like a good time!

Kelli said...

I would love to go to a stock show...I love animals and would like to live on a hobby farm someday. My husband is a city boy though. ;0) The rodeo pictures are great!
Hugs,
Kelli

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

I'm from Texas so I KNOW what a stock show is!!! Those are cool pictures!!!

Sorry I'm behind..I'm trying to get caught up.