Star Lake '12 National Western Blog Report #2 (1/7/12)
The National Western opened to the public today and early indications are there should be a great crowd attending. It was another busy day for cattle people in Denver as preparations are in full swing in The Yards. The weather today is changing with a 50-60% chance of snow showers tonight and into Sunday; temperature highs in the mid to high 30's. But fear not then the sun and warmer temps are to return next week looking at 50's Monday and Tuesday then cooling off for show days in the 40's. It is Stock Show time so all of the above is subject to change.
In response to a couple of reader questions...
What is the showing schedule? We have the complete schedule on our website under the Events section. The short version is Jr show on Thurs (1/12) morning followed by the bull show (approx. Noon start) all on The Hill. Carloads and Pens show in The Yards on Friday the thirteen (yikes) and the Female Show will wrap things up on Saturday the 14th on The Hill.
Why do we get here so early? First and foremost is to allow the cattle to get acclimated, rested and back on feed after the long drive. Also with the unknowns of weather and other potential surprises we have found it works best. Next we get in and get set up before the mad rush and finally with 25 head there is a lot of preparation and work to be done.
I will confess that this version of the Blog is distracted...I left Denver this morning to head to Vegas to join Jon and his buddies for his bachelor party. Old Dad is only going to be good for one night! The attached picture from Joe's Stone Crab is one of my favorite ways to look at beef. We must always remember why we are in the cattle business.
As you know the Ranch is in Oklahoma AND Garth Brooks is from right next door AND he wears a cowboy hat AND you see a lot of cowboy hats at the National Western. All that lead in for the fact that last night we caught his show at the Wynn and if you get the chance don't miss it.
That's all for now....thanks for the feedback and questions. I'll shoot some more pics as soon as I get back to Denver today.
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