110th National Western Stock Show

Photo Curiosity of Fred McClanahan Jr.

 ​In today’s world, traditions can be lost or begin to fade away. Rodeo is a key concept to America’s heritage and is rich in tradition. The sport of rodeo and the western lifestyle may have evolved but still remain conventional to the ties of the generations that came before us. January can be associated with the word new; new beginnings, new goals,new outlooks but with all the new there is still legacy.

​The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) is a rodeo rich in tradition, abundant in heritage, and is a living legacy. This year the National Western celebrated 110 years of western celebration
and competition in Denver, Co. Miss Rodeo America, Katherine Merck attended. She joined in 19 rodeo performances, visited the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, made an appearance at the Colorado State Capital, and she attended several meetings with MRA sponsors at the Western and English Sales Association (WESA) show. 

Katherine was accompanied by many of the state queens during her stay, she also made new friends inside and outside the rodeo arena. The National Western Stock Show production manager, Leon Vick, who is responsible for ensuring that the rodeo runs smoothly, also enjoyed getting to know Katherine. Well aware of the fact that Katherine went to Norte Dame and is proud of her Fighting Irish mascot, Leon posted anti Norte Dame posters behind the scenes of the rodeo. Kathrine also befriended Dakota, an AQHA horse of Cervi Championship Rodeo Company. Dakota has been the iconic horse to carry past  Miss Rodeo Americas in rodeo performances during their time in Denver for many years.

Rodeo is not the only competitive edge that the NWSS has to offer. This year Denver hosted nearly 20 breeds of cattle to be shown in various classes; featuring market, showmanship and breeding. Other animals in the barn during showtime included pigs, goats, poultry, sheep and companionship animals. This year the Grand Champion Market Steer owned by sixteen year old, Macey Goretska sold for $117,000! The steer was purchased by Ames Construction at the National Western Stock Show’s Junior Livestock Auction. The entire Junior Livestock Auction, benefiting their scholarship foundation, raised nearly $200,00 more than last year, setting a new record.

​During her time at the WESA market Katherine was presented with her custom Montana Silversmiths’ belt buckle that she will wear throughout her year and will treasure for a lifetime. Katherine also met with many of her other longtime sponsors. The WESA market is where Miss Rodeo
America and her sponsors plan her wardrobe and incorporate their products to maintain current styles and trends. Katherine will be seen throughout 2016 in an array of the newest styles and products from; Wrangler, Justin Boots, and custom Greeley Hat Works hats. The MRA sponsors are vital to ensure that each Miss Rodeo America is prepared to attend and work at as many rodeos and appearances as possible. 

​Be on the lookout for Miss Rodeo America 2016, Katherine Merck this year. Like the National Western Stock Show,  Miss Rodeo America is rich in tradition, heritage and legacy. We look forward to learning what attributes Katherine will bring to the title.