The 2014 National Western Stock Show
By Stephen Quackenbush, Bar-Q-Diamond Ranch, Castle Rock, CO
Once again in January, area llama exhibitors made their way to downtown Denver and the Hall of Education at the National Western Stock Show grounds to prepare for this year’s show. There were 10 farms/ranches represented this year with about 50 llamas. This year’s participation was about the same as last year. Overall, it was a fun 3 days and I hope everyone had a great time. As it has been for the past few years, the Llama show was the first weekend of Stock Show, so everyone could arrive at a leisurely pace before the show officially opened on Saturday. While the weather was nice in Denver, one of our exhibitors, the Knuckles, couldn’t make the show as snow had closed Vail pass for most of the day on Friday and prevented them from getting to Denver.
Saturday was very crowded this year, and it started with an Afternoon with a Llama and Alpaca. It was so packed with visitors in the show ring that it was difficult to get around. Once again this has proven to be an extremely popular event and draws a lot of public who look forward to getting up close with a llama or alpaca. But it doesn’t stop there as throughout the show, there’s plenty of visitors checking out the llamas in the stall area. And this is the one show where we get many spectators in the stands during the events.
This is one of our favorite shows as it is always great to greet the public and help educate them about llamas. It is always a treat to see hesitant children (and adults alike) get up close and personal with our wonderful and docile animals. The show went on without a hitch and the ALSA scoring was sent into ALSA at the end of January. By the time you receive this Journal, they should be posted on the ALSA website.
Our personal news is that this will be our last Stock Show as superintendent. Unfortunately, my wife Shari and I will be relocating to Texas this summer, so I’ve stepped down as show superintendent. Judy Glaser has volunteered to organize and run the show starting in 2015. Look to hear from her as she takes over the reins. I know she will make a great superintendent. I’d ask everyone to please support and help her as you’ve done for me in the past. I can’t say enough how I appreciate the help and support we’ve received from the volunteers and sponsors over the past three years. Without everyone’s help this show could not have happened and only your support will ensure the show continues.
This year, as in the previous two years, we received sponsorships from a number of companies and ranches, including RMLA, Heiniger Shearing and Rocky Mountain Llamas. The monetary support was paid out in show premiums with some earmarked for specific classes, as requested. Additionally, we held a Raffle for Stall Fees. And once again Heiniger Shearing donated a complete set of shears ($425 value), which were won by Warren Lockwood. I want to once again thank our sponsors for all of their support for the llama show this year.
Before the performance classes started on Saturday, we had the Bobra Goldsmith Memorial Award. This year’s award was won by Jerry Dunn. This award is presented each year at NWSS to the RMLA person or persons who have demonstrated a passion and a love for educating the community about llamas and alpacas through a variety of activities, which may include writing articles, hosting workshops, speaking at conferences, and participating in organized llama/alpaca events. Congratulations to Jerry Dunn for being this year’s award recipient and especially for all the work you do with youth.
Thank you to the Wambolts and Boeffs for contributing pictures for this article.
In looking towards the future, this was the 31st year of the Llama Show at NWSS. As with other shows in the camelid community, we’ve seen growth and decline. In order to ensure that we continue this show at the NWSS in Denver, we need more participation. Please put this show on your calendar for next year and make this an annual event. Next year’s show will be the 32nd Year at NWSS and will be held January 8-11, 2015.
Finally, I want to thank all of the participants who attended this year’s show as well as the sponsors and volunteers that made this show a success. Thank you all for your support. We will miss you all. Steve & Shari Quackenbush
Like this article? Become a RMLA Member today!
