It all started on the South Platte River banks in 1906 when the National Western Stock Show was born. The humble beginnings were led by cattlemen, political leaders, civic leaders, downtown Denver business leaders, and livestock exhibitors from across America. In year one, the show hosted more than 15,000 attendees and boasted livestock entries of more than 350 head of cattle, sheep and swine. The show ran for six days, starting on Jan. 29, 1906. Simultaneously, an entity was formed to manage the show as a 501c-3, a not-for-profit founded on education and the celebration of our Western heritage, known as the Western Stock Show Association.