Denver, CO. – The National Western Stock Show kicks off with the annual Stock Show Parade in downtown Denver, Thursday January 8th at noon. The parade will be led by parade Grand Marshal, Chauncey Billups and features National Western’s Citizen of the West honoree, Philip F. Anschutz.

New for the 2015, the Stock Show announces, in conjunction with CINCH Jeans & Shirts, the CINCH Super Shootout Rodeo, to take place January 15, at 7pm. This unique team rodeo format highlights five contestants competing in five rodeo events. Each team represents a pro rodeo city. Team National Western is “loaded with talent” states Paul Andrews, President & CEO of the National Western Stock Show.

The National Western Stock Show is also pleased to introduce the first ever barbeque competition with the BBQ Throwdown presented by Chevrolet. The event will take place on the opening Saturday, January 10, and will feature 42 competition teams, most of which are from Colorado. Approximately one third of the teams are from other states. All are competing to earn a spot in the World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City.

The National Western welcomes back the rodeo specialty act, Mini Bucking Bulls. Junior cowboys aging from 5-10 years old ride miniature bulls for 8 seconds. Also back by popular demand is the NW Nursery, An Evening of Dancing Horses featuring Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia and her eight Arabian Stallions along with the home team mascot, Thunder presenting the colors during two shows.

All of these attractions and so many more make the 109th National Western Stock Show a Colorado tradition. For a schedule of events and tickets please visit nationalwestern.com.