For two weeks in January, Denver returns to its cowtown roots.

We're in the midst of the National Western Stock Show, which draws cattle ranchers from as far away as Maryland and Saskatchewan. There's a stock parade through downtown, rodeos, the Colorado Fiddle Championships, and lots of what my brother referred to as "cubby hats" during his brief, improbable Western phase as a toddler. (Footwear note: Real ranchers favor boots with a rounded toe and a low heel over the pointy-toed, high-heeled numbers.)

Although other livestock get brief turns in the show's spotlight, the stars here are the beef cattle, huge beasts with impossibly long eyelashes and breed names such as Hereford, Black Angus, Red Angus, and Limosin. ("They're big, they're black, but you can't rent 'em for your high school prom.")

You can purchase a whole bull, featuring a sign which would be equally useful for those who still believe that Iraq had WMD's.


Or, you can see Larry or Trent for a little bull-to-be.