National Western Stock Show Announces Jake Jabs as 2020 Parade Grand Marshal

DENVER, CO, December 11, 2019 – The National Western Stock Show is excited to announce Colorado businessman, legend and Stock Show enthusiast Jake Jabs as the 2020 Parade Grand Marshal.

On Thursday, January 9th, Jake Jabs will lead the traditional drive of Longhorn cattle, horses and western wagons through the streets of downtown Denver to celebrate the start of the 114th National Western Stock Show. The Stock Show Kick-Off Parade, presented by Arrow Electronics, begins at noon outside Union Station. The parade marches fifteen blocks down 17th Street to Tremont.

“It is a great honor to have a Colorado icon, philanthropist and true western legend like Jake Jabs kicking-off our annual Stock Show Parade,” said Paul Andrews, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show.

“Jake grew up on a ranch in Montana, was a member of his college rodeo team, and has given back to the agricultural community throughout his personal and professional life,” said Andrews. “Jake is the perfect person to lead this historic, western tradition.”

The parade concludes with the annual barbecue lunch, hosted by Colorado State University and sponsored by Wells Fargo. The lunch will take place in the atrium at 1700 Broadway from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch guests will enjoy great western barbecue, music and the City of Denver’s proclamation of January 9, 2020, as DRESS WESTERN DAY in Denver. The barbecue is open to the public and benefits the 4-H International Youth Group. Lunch tickets are $12.

Honoring the Legacy, Building the Future

The National Western Center redevelopment will be a multi-phase project involving an array of road and rail infrastructure improvements, a revitalization of the South Platte River and the establishment of a Colorado State University academic center, among them.

The Honoring the Legacy campaign focuses on four core National Western facilities: the Legacy Building, the Livestock Center, the Yards and the Equestrian Center.

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National Western Center Latest News

October 4, 2019
PRESS RELEASE: DENVER PUBLIC ART SEEKS QUALIFIED ARTISTS FOR NATIONAL WESTERN CENTER COMMISSION

The City and County of Denver is pleased to announce a National Western Center Denver Public Art commission.

The City of Denver’s Public Art Program seeks to commission an artist or artist team to create original works of art for the two South Platte River Bridges connecting the new National Western Center (NWC) campus and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods with the Globeville neighborhood.

The two bridges present a unique opportunity for an immersive art experience; the panel is seeking two and three-dimensional artwork and components, including lighting designs and architecturally integrated creations, that tell the story of the National Western Center’s history and future vision, as well as reflecting the socioeconomic past, present and future of the site.

National Western Stock Show Awards Scholarships to Four City of Denver Students

These scholarship recipients were selected due to their passion in pursuing undergraduate degrees and career paths that focus on making contributions to the emerging and influential fields of agriculture. This focus can be expressed through any major or area of study, as long as the goal is to contribute toward progress and leadership in agriculture. The students will continue to receive the funds all four years of their undergraduate studies, as long as minimum requirements are met for performance. [ Learn More ]

• Lawrence J. Cohen – Denver School of Arts graduate who will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder this fall.
• Thang Ling – South High School graduate who will be attending Metropolitan State University of Denver this fall.
• Manoj Regmi – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College graduate who will be attending Metropolitan State University of Denver this fall.
• Michael Stanford – MullenHigh School graduate who will be attending Colorado State University this fall.

NWSS Denver Scholarship Program Recipients for 2019-2020 School Year. (Pictured from left to right: Lawrence J. Cohen, Thang Ling, Manoj Regmi, and Michael Stanford

Marcy and Bruce Benson Named 2020 Citizens of the West

Marcy and Bruce Benson, 2020 Citizens of the West

Denver, CO, September 17, 2019 – The National Western Stock Show is proud to announce Marcy and Bruce Benson as the 2020 Citizens of the West. This prestigious annual award recognizes those who embody the spirit and determination of Western pioneers and perpetuate the West’s agriculture heritage and ideals. A committee of community leaders selects recipients.

“I’m pleased to see that Bruce and Marcy Benson are being jointly honored as Citizens of the West.  It is a well-deserved honor for their many contributions in the fields of education, philanthropy and business in our community and state.” said Philip Anschutz, 2014 recipient of the Citizen of the West award.

The Bensons will receive the award at a dinner on January 13, 2020, at the National Western Events Center. Proceeds from the event support 100 scholarships the National Western Scholarship Trust awards annually to colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming.

Marcy and Bruce are respected leaders in the business, education, civic, political and philanthropic communities. Together they have made a lasting impression through their tireless advocacy and fundraising efforts for issues and institutions they hold in high regard. [ read more ]

2020 Colorado vs World Winners

2020 Stock Show Highlights

Sat, Jan 11 – Opening Day: *57,386

Colorado vs the World Rodeo Winners
Bareback Riding: Mason Clements, 84pts
Steer Wrestling: Jace Melvin, 4.92sec
Saddle Bronc Riding: Wyatt Hageman, 87.5pts
Barrel Racing: Michelle Alley, 15.456sec
Bull Riding: Trevor Reiste, 89pts

Sharee Schwartzenberger

Ranch Rodeo Winner: Veale/Sarco Ranches, 2x winners

Jan 12 – 49, 535

Freestyle Reining Winner:
Sharee Schwartzenberger on Game Day Surprise 

Jan 13 – 26,884

Cole Melancon of Paris, Texas, 90-point ride on Let’s Gamble. NWSS photo by Ric Andersen.

PBR Semi-Finals Day 1

1. Cole Melancon, Paris, Texas, 90 pts on Let’s Gamble
2. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas, 88.5
3. Santiago Castellanos, Dixon, Mexico, 86.5
4. Marcus Mast, Middlebury, Ind., 85.5
5. Brock Radford, Dewinton, Alberta, 85
6. Jessi Petri, Palestine, Texas, 84.5
7. (tie) Lane Mellers, Queensland, Australia, and Jonny Perez, Madera, Calif., 84 pts/ea

Jan 14: 36,174 *

Taylor Toves on Shakin – 88pts

PBR Semi-Finals Day 2

1. Taylor Toves, Stephenville, TX on Shakin – 88pts
2. Colten Jesse, Konawa, OK – 87.5
3. Keyshawn Whitehors, McCraken Springs, UT – 85.5
4. Kache Moosman, Price, UT – 85
5. Andrew Alvidrez, Seminole, TX – 84.5
6. Conner Halverson, Gordon, NE – 84.5
7. Lane Mellers, Australia – 84
8. Cody Dollins, Waco, TX – 83.5

Jan 15 – 32,422

Taylor Toves, 2020 PBR Winner

PBR Bull Riding Winner:
Taylor Toves, Stephenville, Texas, 89.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Jack Hammer

Junior Market Goat:
Grand Champion: Cody Sells of Taylor, TX
Reserve: Aspen Martin of Mason, TX

Jan 16 – 31,022

Cinch Equicross Winners:

Olivia Lay

Olivia Lay: Key Hole Race, Rescue Race & Musical Ropes
Braxton Morgan: Flag Race

Stadium Arena Mutton Busters:
50 kids played cowboy and competed in the Stadium Arena Mutton Bustin’ presented by Frontier Airlines. The top 10 kids get to ride in the Jan 22, 1:30pm rodeo.

Jan 17 – 45,712

Gambler’s Choice Winner:
Tom Foley on Luxus Liner S

* record day

2020 Stock Show Highlights – Week 2

Sun, Jan 19 – 54,001

Cody Snow Paul Eaves 5.3sec

Pro Rodeo Update
The newly paired team ropers, Cody Snow and Paul Eaves showed up at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo to win. With Snow, from Los Olivos, Calif., doing the heading and Eaves, from Lonedell, Mo., heeling, they have a total time of 10.3 seconds on two runs, tied for first place overall so far.

Junior Market Lamb
Grand Champion: Hudson Franklin, Shallowater, TX
Reserve: Blake Skidgel, Pawnee, OK

Mon, Jan 20 – 50,458

Pro Rodeo Update
Leon Fountain took the lead in the first round of saddle bronc riding at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo on Monday. Fountain, from Socorro, N.M., rode Cervi Championship Rodeo’s The Edge for 85.5 points.

Tom Foley, 2020 Grand Prix

Grand Prix Winner
Tom Foley on Damokles

Tues, Jan 21 – 34,947

Pro Rodeo Update
Barrel racer Alishea Broussard has the fastest time so far at this year’s National Western Stock Show Rodeo. The Estherwood, Louisiana resident stopped the clock in 14.94 seconds and has just the second run that has been under 15 in the Denver Coliseum.

Wed, Jan 22 – 37,537

Pro Rodeo Update
Jesse Brown of Baker, Oregon came close to the 2.9-second arena record in the steer wrestling at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo. Brown took the lead in the second round with a 3.2.

Junior Market Swine
Grand Champion: Alli Stromberger, Ilif, CO
Reserve: Mikala Grady, Grandview, TX

Thur, Jan 23 – 40,562

Pro Rodeo Update
The stars at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo aligned for Lefty Holman on Thursday. The California cowboy took the overall lead in saddle bronc riding in the Denver Coliseum with this 87.5-point ride on Vold Rodeo’s horse named Sun Pop.

Junior Market Steer
Grand Champion: Ashton Guyer, Flat Rock IL
Reserve: Jagger Horn, Anson, TX

Fri, Jan 24 – 43,068

Pro Rodeo Update
Two-time National Western Stock Show Rodeo bareback champion Will Lowe showed Friday night fans that he is looking for a third. The Canyon, Texas, cowboy rode Burch Rodeo’s horse, Friendly Skies for 90 points, the high-marked score of this year’s rodeo so far.

Auction of Junior Livestock Champions
Grand Champion Steer – $155,000*
Exhibitor: Ashtin Guyer, Flat Rock, IL, Buyer: Ames Construction Company
Grand Champion Hog – $100,000*
Exhibitor: Alli Stromberger, Iliff, CO, Buyer: Transwest Trucks, Inc.
Grand Champion Lamb – $40,000*
Hudson Franklin, Shallowater, TX, Buyer: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
[Full Results]

Sat, Jan 25 – 61,479

Pro Rodeo Update – Semi Finals
Two-time National Western Stock Show Rodeo bareback champion Will Lowe showed Friday night fans that he is looking for a third. The Canyon, Texas, cowboy rode Burch Rodeo’s horse, Friendly Skies for 90 points, the high-marked score of this year’s rodeo so far.

* record

National Anthem Contest Winners

Congratulations to our talented co-winners of the National Anthem contest: Josie Webel and Marta Spirk. You can hear them each sing the National Anthem at a rodeo performance this January.

This year’s contest had 43 entries, 16 finalists and over 21,000 votes from all over the world. Thank you to everyone who participated and voted in the contest!

Josie Webel of Farmington, IL

Marta Spirk of Denver, CO

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