Denver Rustlers Pre-Fair Brunch: Head ’em Up, Move ’em On

The checklist for Denver Rustlers’ annual road trip to the Colorado State Fair starts with the exclusive Rockmount Ranch Wear shirt. Add the cowboy hat. Check. Snacks. Double check. Commitment to rustle up the best bids for all the students at the Junior Livestock Sale. Definitely! But first, gather the herd for some chow and the chance to catch up with friends, old and new. It’s pretty inspiring to see elected officials of all political viewpoints, plus sponsors and business leaders, gather together with one agenda: to support 4-H kids and the livestock sale. And as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston joked: It’s really powerful when the Rustlers can get 200 people to all wear uniform Western shirts and cowboy hats.

(l to r): Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg; Rep. Meg Frielich; Angie Paccione, Exec Director, Colorado Dept of Higher Education

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, everyone gathered at Shanahan’s Steakhouse to enjoy a delicious brunch and organize for the Rustlers’ 39th annual trip to Pueblo. Among those spotted in the noteworthy crowd: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis; U.S. Representatives from Colorado: Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Lauren Boebert, Brittany Pettersen and Ken Buck; Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold; Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg; and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Denver Rustlers principal organizers and managers are: Larry Mizel, Tim Schultz, Josh Hanfling and Katie Kramer.

Tim Schultz, Denver Rustlers organizer and former Colorado commissioner of agriculture

Denver Rustlers writes: “As was the custom when this event began four decades ago, support of this event is almost completely donated by Denver Rustlers as well as other notable organizations and foundations, allowing nearly all money raised to go directly to our young participants…The Grand Champion and the Reserve Grand Champions typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars. The Rustlers use most of their pooled funds to make sure the other young exhibitors get a fair price for their animals, staying until each and every animal is sold. Made up of Colorado’s most prominent business leaders and elected officials (from both parties) – the annual trek of the Rustlers has become the can’t-miss event of the summer. The Denver Rustlers continue to be the largest buying group at the Colorado State Fair.” To learn more about the organization, donate and plan for next year, go to: https://www.denverrustlers.org/.