There’s nothing quite like seeing longhorn steer circle hundreds of metro Denver business and government leaders on the dirt floor of the National Western Stock Show Events Center. 

That was the scene Friday at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s “Boots N Business” event as participants clad in their best western attire celebrated the return of the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), which starts Saturday and runs through Jan. 26. 

It’s the 119th year for the “best 16 days in January.” 

The program included a tribute video to NWSS CEO Paul Andrews, who is stepping down from the position after 15 years. 

“The city of Denver will never forget your contributions to the Stock Show,” said Pat Grant, former NWSS CEO, in the video.

“Paul Andrews has not just been great for the National Western Stock Show, but great for our community, families and you’ve been good for business,” said J.J. Ament, president and CEO of the chamber, while offering a toast. 

Mayor Mike Johnston, clad in his signature wool-lined corduroy Wrangler jacket, said the Stock Show and Denver represent the “New West.” 

“I can’t say enough about the importance of this event, and this institution,” Johnston said. “This is not only a celebration of what we do, it’s a celebration of who we are.”

“I often describe Denver as the capitol of the New West, because we rely on all those same traditions, the same legacies that made us — but also that you care for the Earth, and the water and the sky around you. It inspires you to dream and to build things that have yet to be built.” 

Gov. Jared Polis, the day after his State of the State address, talked about commitment to the state’s agriculture industry. 

“The Stock Show is such an exciting part of Colorado,” he said. “It’s a living legacy of what Colorado agriculture means. Yes, it’s a product and, in essence, jobs. But it’s also important to our identity as Westerners and Coloradans. We’re proud to be the center of the industry, attracting visitors from across the United States right here in Colorado.”

The show included trick horse riders from the Westernaires, based in Golden, and an impressive display of horsemanship from Jerry Diaz, director of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza. 

For more information on the National Western Stock Show, schedules and tickets, visit nationalwestern.com.