The mission of the National Western Volunteer Program is to assist management and staff of the National Western in providing top quality service for exhibitors, patrons, and guests in the continued effort to be the top combination livestock show, horse show and rodeo in the world. We are a year round facility and often shows renting our facility request National Western volunteers to assist with their shows.
Volunteers have the opportunity to volunteer in many areas including the Kids Activity Pavilion, Coors Western Art Room, Guest Services, Horse and Livestock Show, Educational Programs, Information Booths, Photography, Ticket Taking, Administrative Support and many other special events during the year. Click below to learn more about the volunteer service areas, requirements and benefits.
Come learn more about the National Western Stock Show volunteer program by attending the orientation (dates are TBD.)More information will be sent after filling out a volunteer application HERE
If you are 16 years and older and interested in becoming a new National Western Volunteer then join us at one of our Volunteer Orientations held in March, June and October to learn about the volunteer program, its mission and meet current volunteers. You will also find out how to become a year-round volunteer and talk with staff and volunteers about the many volunteer opportunities available to you. More details on the orientation will be sent after filling out a volunteer application.
Student Volunteers
Student volunteers ages 16 and up, (high school and college) are only required to provide 2 day and 2 evening shifts or 4 evening shifts during the Stock Show in January. Be sure to select “student volunteer” on your volunteer application.
We have opportunities for companies and clubs who would like to volunteer for a day. Please contact the Director of Volunteer Services, klombardi@nationalwestern.com
Key Dates for the Stock Show Local Rodeo Royalty (LRR) Application Process:
September 1 – October 15: Registration begins. November 18: Online Scheduling begins. December 1: Online Scheduling will close.
LRR application process must be completed including waivers signed and returned.
After this date, schedule openings are on a first come, first serve basis. No guarantees.
December 31: LRR Handbook/Guideline Booklet will be sent to coordinator email address on file for each royalty group. January: LRR Packets available for those LRR’s with completed application requirements. January 9th, 2020: Kick-Off Parade – sign up for this volunteer date to participate. January 11-26th, 2020: National Western Stock Show & Rodeo!
Coordinators and Local Rodeo Royalty: the following application requirements mustbe completed in order for Local Rodeo Royalty to volunteer for the 2020 National Western Stock Show.
Complete online registration, submit signed required NWSS Volunteer Agreement/Waiver Forms, and then select dates online
Each person in your court (Queen, Lady-in-Waiting, Attendant, Princess, etc.) must complete an individual on-line application.
Please write your Rodeo Name on each NWSS Volunteer Agreement/Waiver Form (Notary & Veterinarian portions not required)
Send signed NWSS Volunteer Agreement/Waiver Forms, via US Mail only, to 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver, CO 80216 Attention: Local Rodeo Royalty
After the signed NWSS Volunteer Agreement/Waiver Forms are received, an email will be sent with an access password for each LRR. This password will enable LRR to select volunteer dates when online scheduling begins.
There are limited daily slots available, so please schedule early to receive desired volunteer dates.
Each day will be divided into two shifts. Please sign up for at least one weekday.
If your rodeo organization opts for an individual parade entry, please apply individually not through LRR.
Before the Stock Show, royalty may pick up Volunteer packets in the Event Center at the LRR room. Packets contain: pin(s) for registered LRR, 2 grounds passes per volunteer day for chaperones, and a voucher to select rodeos and horse shows.
Volunteer pins are for LRR only. Any family or friends attending with LRR must pay for their own grounds admission.
Questions: please contact Priscilla at prischnell@aol.com or 720-530-8305
By committing to 30 hours or more per year, volunteers have a choice of either 2 horse show tickets or 2 rodeo tickets on specific dates which will be issued during credential pick-up at the Volunteer Kick Off Party.
Volunteers receive a grounds admittance badge. This must be worn at all times.
Volunteers will receive a name badge to be worn on the volunteer uniform at all times.
Volunteers will receive “years of service” bar at 5-year intervals at the Volunteer Appreciation Party.
A parking permit is provided in designated lots during hours of volunteer service.
Participation in training sessions depending on volunteer service area.
Discount meal coupons are available in the Volunteer Center.
Invitation to the Kick-Off and Appreciation Parties.
Liaisons will recognize deserving volunteers within their service area.
Gifts for volunteering a certain amount of hours in January during the Stock Show and rewards for a certain amount of hours for volunteering National Western Stock Show Complex Shows during the rest of the year. See below for specific volunteer reward hours.
Required Yearly Volunteer hours (30 Hours)
Accrue from January 1 thru December 31st
Off Season Awards (starting February 1st)
Off Season (other than Stock Show dates) (February 1st – December 31)
Volunteers who volunteered 60 hours between February 1 – December 31st will receive an award at Stock Show Kick Off Party.
Stock Show Awards (January 1 – January 31st – Volunteer Priority Hours)
Volunteers who contribute 30 hours will receive a gift.
Volunteers who contribute 45 hours will receive a gift.
Volunteers who contribute 60 hours will receive a gift.
*Stock Show award rules: Please come to the Volunteer Center when you have reached your volunteer award hours.
AMES ACTIVITY PAVILION – There are a wide variety of kids activities in the Big Top heated tent. We emphasis the NWSS Mission of preserving the western lifestyle through the children’s point of view. The programs are designed for animal education, entertainment, and agriculture. Some of the activities are Top Hogs, stick horse rodeos, tractor pedal races, sheep shearing, super dogs pat and chat. Duties include helping with the set up, checking in kids, cheering them on, crowd control and changing the floor layout for the specific shows. Some lifting might be involved or other lighter weight duties are available. Activities are scheduled seven days a week throughout the days, so hours are flexible.
COLISEUM SUPPORT – The Coliseum Support area is the welcome and check in support team to the rodeo contestants, Mutton Busters and their families. They offer a food service and provide an overall welcoming atmosphere in the contestant area.
COORS WESTERN ART EXHIBIT AND SALE – This dynamic group of volunteers are the work force that staff the art gallery for the nationally recognized Coors Western Art Exhibit and Sale. Volunteers in this area greet and work with artists, and the public and are responsible for art sales, and the daily operations of the gallery. No art background is required. Volunteers will work with a team including NWSS staff, the show Curator, and senior volunteers to share this extraordinary exhibit with guests. Details of the day-to-day functions will be covered during volunteer training sessions. Extra training will be required for volunteers working in this area. [ learn more about volunteering in the Coors Art Room ]
HORSE SHOW – Horse show volunteers provide support to the NWSS staff, horse show exhibitors and guests for horse show events through various positions and areas. Volunteer assistance is vital to ensuring horse show operations are smooth and provide a positive experience for guests, vendors, sponsors and horse show exhibitors alike. They assist with arena and paddock gates, doors, gators, arrivals and check in, In The Barn experience, hospitality, awards, event set up and ticketed special event
HOSPITALITY – Want to be on the leading edge of our warm Western welcome? Join our Hospitality Team and enjoy interaction with Guests from all over the world. From Bus Greeter to Lobby Assistant, this area provides a variety of experiences each and every day.
INCIDENT REPORTING – The Incident Reporting group provides assistance to NWSS staff by responding to and preparing detailed reports on incidents, which include personal injuries, property damage, vehicle accidents and thefts. You will be working with NWSS staff, Denver Police Officers, Paramedics, livestock exhibitors, commercial vendors, the general public, as well as other Incident Reporting team members. This job involves responding to incidents within the entire NWSS complex, including all parking lots, as well as the Coliseum in a timely manner. Extensive walking will be involved and may be for extended periods during the entire shift in all weather conditions. Must be detail oriented, a team player, empathetic to people in stressful situations, and possess superior customer service skills. Ability to function in stressful situations and remaining calm is crucial.
INFORMATION BOOTHS –
Love telling people “what to do”?The Information Booth may be the place for you!New Volunteer or Veteran?This opportunity is one of the best ways to learn about the offerings and layout of the National Western.
INTERNATIONAL ROOM – Each January, the National Western International Agribusiness Center hosts near 800 guests visiting the stock yards for business purposes. Volunteers in the room act as Stock Show ambassadors. Light refreshments are served throughout the day. Room volunteers warmly greet visitors and sign them in, let them know refreshments are available and help them with information on the Stock Show. Multilingual skills not required, but helpful. It’s a quiet setting, nestled in the Livestock Center Auction Arena, but is very rewarding to welcome in Agribusiness guests from around the world to Denver.
LIVESTOCK -volunteers are vital to the success of all the livestock events by helping to direct and control flow of livestock and people. During the processing of Junior Livestock volunteers help with the collection of samples for testing to assure fair competition among exhibitors. They are the liaisons between the National Western, the exhibitors and guests of the 100’s of events.
LOCAL RODEO ROYALTY – Local Rodeo Royalty (LRR) volunteers are current fair and rodeo titleholders across Colorado. The primary goals of this program are to promote the National Western Stock Show, their organization, rodeo, and youth development. The duties vary from assisting at children’s activities, ribbon presentations, meet and greet NWSS guests and more. Click Here to Apply
ROYALTY ASSISTANTS – Royalty Assistants are adults that work directly with the Local Rodeo Royalty (LRR) escorting them as they move through assignments. This position requires a lot of walking. Click Here to Apply
PARADE – Coming Soon!
PHOTO & VIDEO SUPPORT – If you have been a fan of the National Western Stock Show and wish to enjoy the show from a different aspect come volunteer with the Photo & Video Support Group! Many volunteers are needed to capture both still and video images, help with image reviewing, and to assist with administrative duties. You can take a look at our Task Guide to see if volunteering with the Photo & Video Support Group is for you.
PONY TRAILS – Share your passion! Be a part of the past, present and future of the horse industry by sharing your passion for horses in the Pony Trails hands-on learning area. This ever evolving exhibit has interactive stations for all ages! Some stations are correlated with the Colo. Dept. of Ed. State Standards and the Developmental Assets Framework. Meet special guests (Thunder, the Denver Mounted Patrol). Learn about different breeds/disciplines. Meet other equestrians, exhibitors and performers. We promise you will learn something new.
SCHOOL VISITS – Part of the National Western’s mission is to educate youth in agriculture and the School Visits program is a crucial part of obtaining and preserving this mission. Volunteer help ensure a positive visit for students and teachers by greeting busses delivering thousands of students to the Stock Show, assist in organizing and preparing the classes for a smooth departure and providing guidance and direction to classes as they tour the Stock Show grounds.
SPONSOR LOUNGE – The sponsor lounge is a designated space for corporate partners and media to take a break from the trade show floor and enjoy a quiet, comfortable setting. Light refreshments are served throughout the day. The responsibility of the host is to warmly greet sponsors and media, sign them in, let them know that limited refreshments are available and provide information on WIFI access. It is a very quiet setting, but incredibly valuable to the sponsorship and media team.
TICKET TAKERS – Ticket Takers are the smiles that greet visitors coming in from the cold. Be one of the first to welcome Guests to the sights, sounds, and…smells of the National Western.
TRADE SHOW – Let us not forget that many of the vendors at the NWSS are guests to our city and state. As volunteers in the Trade Show Package Delivery and Move In/Out we want to make them feel welcome to this great place! Package Delivery volunteers assist the NWSS staff with the delivery of packages that arrive for the vendors to replenish their stock or refill their promotional materials. While it is a small crew, they are most important to vendors needing supplies. Please note that volunteers may be asked to lift packages as heavy as 50lbs. Maybe the heavy lifting isn’t for you. Then try Move In/Out. No, we don’t help the vendors unload their trucks, we direct the vendors where to drive their truck in the complex! That’s right, we let them drive into the building to unload their trucks. All a volunteer needs to do is greet vendors with a smile and assist them with directions to their booth. This is a great way to see the inner workings of the NWSS and see how it all comes together.
VIP DRIVERS – The primary duty of a VIP Driver is to transport Judges, Royalty and other passengers to and from destinations in a comfortable, safe and efficient manner.
VOLUNTEER CENTER – The Volunteer Center is the hub for all volunteer operations during the Stock Show. Positions are available for Greeters and Radio Dispatch.Greeters love to smile and have fun saying “howdy” when checking in volunteers! They assist with general volunteer questions, answering phone questions from the public, and some clerical tasks. Radio Dispatch volunteers maintain radio communications to ensure proper response to all types of fun questions.
Volunteer Chair, Anni Bengtson
Assistant Volunteer Chair, Tom Acre
Assistant Volunteer Chair, Nancy Hammans
Assistant Volunteer Chair, John Hiemer
Staff, Ron Rohr, VP of Admin
Staff, Kellie Lombardi, Director of Volunteer Services
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