Top Ten Reasons to Look Forward to Next Year's National Western Stock Show

In 2009 they may not be picking another donkey for the Democrats, but many people return to the National Western Stock Show year after year for a variety of reasons. On the last weekend of the show, I talked with a visitor from the south of England who first came to Denver's largest annual convention purely to learn about the latest in the cattle business, but now he returns for that, the show's entertainment, and a great vacation in the Denver area - even a visit to the casinos in the mountains. Here are some other reasons why you'll be dreaming of rodeos and cattle judging next winter:

10. The anti-snoring remedy that's "guaranteed to work," sold in the expo hall.

There are hats, furs, belt buckles and souvenirs, lotions, remedies and more. But what other than the common cold needs a cure more than snoring?

9. Telling friends you saw the Champion Steer visit the Brown Palace Hotel just so you can give your "that's no bull!" punchline.

As you'll learn at the show, a steer is a male bull without his "equipment." Check out the Pro Bull Riding events to see why the Brown Palace doesn't invite a bull.

8. Where else can you get carnival food in winter?

Part of a good balanced diet - a few times a year. Food from a truck is rare in winter, but at National Western you can find your fried, barbecued, and brewed and distilled specialties to enjoy as you walk around the yards.

7. Tractors and Trucks!

Even if you have no earthly use for them, tractors and trucks are cool. The National Western Stock Show has lots of 'em, and this year Toyota was showing off their long-haul "project truck" with three video screens and diesel power to pull 24,000 pounds which was making a big impression with truck fans and trailer pullers alike.

6. Valentine's gifts

Next year, class up your act and get some sweet smelling creams and lotions from the vendors at the stock show. Some grow their own ingredients, like the lavender vendor this year, and others sell lines that are hard to get unless you know who to call. Besides, you can try them or even bring her and make notes as you go around!

5. Watching 80-pound kids wrangle 300 pound animals