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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