DENVER — The sight of cowboy hats and the sound of hooves hitting pavement returned to the streets of downtown Denver for the first time since 2020. The National Western Stock Show kicked off with its traditional parade with a wide range of participants including cowboys on horses, pageant queens, 4H clubs and much more. 

The parade has been a tradition of the Stock Show for decades to give those in Denver a glimpse of a true western cattle drive. In 2022, the parade was canceled due to weather, and the year before that it was canceled due to COVID-19. This year, despite near-freezing temperatures, the horses were saddled and riders were smiling. 

The Stock Show begins on Jan. 7 and continues through the 22nd. You can find more information about events, tickets and more on their website.