National Western Stock Show & Rodeo kicks off in downtown Denver with a parade

A view of the parade from the 5th floor of the Historical Equitable Building, 17th & Stout Streets in Denver. (Bev Sandoval, Special to The Denver Post)

Before the National Western Stock Show kicks off its 106th year on Saturday, hooves hit the pavement for today's parade through downtown Denver.

Texas longhorns, cowboys, old tractors and more left Union Station around noon, moseying southeast for 14 blocks along 17th Street. The parade ends at Broadway.

This year's grand marshal is former Denver Mayor Federico Pe?a. Elected as Denver's first Latino mayor in 1983, Pe?a was re-elected in 1987.

"To be a part of history is something I find to be very enjoyable and a great honor," Pe?a said.

Before, during and after the parade, patrons were invited to stop by the National Western Barbecue in the atrium of the Wells Fargo Building at 1700

Longhorns are staged before the 2012 parade through downtown Denver that kicks off the National Western Stock Show. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

Broadway. Food will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the $9 tickets benefit 4-H International.

After Saturday's opening, the stock show will run daily through Jan. 22, at the 100-acre National Western Complex at Interstate 70 and Brighton Boulevard.

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19680217?source=rss

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