Pat Grant is president and chief executive of the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo & Horse Show, a position he has held since 1991. He has served on the show’s executive committee since 1985.
He is a fourth-generation Coloradan who grew up in an area once known as Grant’s Ranch, west of Littleton. His family settled in Colorado before its statehood in 1876. Grant’s family was named the 2001 “Citizens of the West,” an award presented during the stock show to those in the Rocky Mountains who “best exemplify the spirit of the Western pioneer.”
Q. How has this year’s show gone, and how would you compare it with years past?
A. We’ve been really pleased for a couple of reasons. The conditions were tough because of the snow and cold conditions the first two weekends, but that said, we were real pleased with the uptick in attendance and ticket sales the last five days.
We had a very strong finish. And we’re real pleased with the participation in the stockyards. The cattlemen in southeast Colorado and western Nebraska and Kansas had a heck of a time getting here. I commend that.
Overall our numbers were down from last year, but, my land, last year was the 100th anniversary. A better comparison is January ’05 and January ’07, and we are on schedule to beat ’05.
Q. Who are the unsung heroes of the stock show?
A. Everyone on staff. Without every single one of them, the stock show could not operate. I would rank the staff of the National Western Stock Show as the best of any stock show, rodeo or horse show anywhere in the world. They’re dedicated, they’re committed and they’re passionate about making this the best possible show it can be every year.
Q. What can fans expect in 2008?
A. Right after the show, once we get the bills paid, get everything cleaned up and get all our paperwork in order, the staff goes on a retreat to review everything and begin planning for next year.
We don’t meet to congratulate ourselves or sit around and tell each other what a great job we did. It’s a tough critique. We ask ourselves hard questions: How can we do better? How can we be better? It’s our mission to make Denver and Colorado be proud of this institution every year.
Q. What’s the single most important message that the public should understand about the stock show?
A. That this is a show of national and international stature. I believe it’s a hallowed institution in the history and development of this state. I’ve committed my adult life to (the) continuance and advancement of that legacy. The reason for that legacy is the quality and commitment of those at the top, members of our executive committee, whose spirit and vision make this show what it is.
Q. What challenges lie ahead for the show?
A. One of the real challenges is, how do we continue to grow the National Western Stock Show, Rodeo & Horse Show to accommodate the increasing crowds in the current location?
The site is essentially the same one where the show started 101 years ago. All the land that’s been added has been cobbled together like a patchwork quilt. Our buildings are getting older, and we’re landlocked on every side. … We’ve about exhausted our growth potential here. We’ve been able to deal with this about as well as could be expected, but the prospect of Interstate 70 being expanded will be our greatest challenge.
