Friday, January 11, 2019

Western Parade Struts through Downtown Denver

Cowboy hats, pointy-toe boots and leather chaps . . . oh, my.
The National Western Stock Show and parade are in town.

It's quite a sight to see a herd of long-horned cattle 
moving down a busy main street in downtown Denver.


The parade, a kick-off event to open the annual stock show, has been taking place since the 1960s while the stock show itself started in 1906 when Denver was a real cow town.


In the shadow of high-rise buildings, 
a real western cattle drive is underway to the squeals of preschoolers . . . 


and the clip clop of magnificent horses. 


I've wanted to see this parade for years and was determined to watch it this year. 
The longhorns started the parade 
followed by a high school marching band that brought nostalgic tears to my eyes. 

Floats, stage coaches, and horses of all sizes followed.


I am always drawn to the huge draft horses


and the cowboy gear, some of it softly worn leather


while other fancy accessories glint in the sun. 


As the parade winds down and the clean-up crew whisks away any trace of the parade,


the winter sun feels warm on my face.
Weren't we lucky to have a beautiful day as up to five inches of snow are predicted for tomorrow. 

Can I get a yee-haw???

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9 comments:

  1. Lovely images. I miss working downtown watching those parades from the 29th floor. :)

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  2. Yee-haw!! I wish i had been there i am like a child, i love parades, horses, bands and everything. It's hard to tell i'm cold till it's over and i notice i can't feel some of my fingers,lol! Thanks!!

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  3. Yee haw !!! I love the draft horses. They are amazing. If I was going to get on a horse that is what I would want. I am so glad that you got to see the parade. Those long horns look familii enjoyed having the long horns here when Jim rented the fields.

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  4. Yee -Hawwww! Beautiful FUN! Thank You!

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  5. Oh my, what a sight! The only parade I watch is the Rose Parade and one day I'll see it in person (bucket list). The energy of a parade is wonderful and uplifting. Glad you got to see it.

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  6. That parade looks amazing! Have only seen cowboys on tv!

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  7. How fun! I want to see this parade!!! I remember vividly the first time I saw a cowboy....he was walking down the street in Tulsa with his full gear on....oh my, be still me heart!!! Thank you for sharing!!

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  8. Sounds like a great day! Love the picture of the kids, priceless! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

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