DENVER — Happy Thanksgiving, Colorado! Before and after you enjoy the turkey this weekend, consider one of these fun Thanksgiving and holiday season events in all corners of the state. Before the turkey day runs and walks, the Mile High City will welcome the holiday season with the annual lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Colorado holiday season traditions beginning this weekend include The Nutcracker , Blossoms of Light, Hudson Christmas, Zoo Lights, Denver Union Station's Grand Illumination and more. Kick off the holiday season right by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that make the Centennial State special at one of these parades, festivals, lightings and happenings this weekend. > Have an event tip? Send it here . Credit: stock.adobe.com Light the Lights DENVER — For the better part of a century, Coloradans have gathered outside Denver’s City and County building for a celebration kicking off the holiday season . Denver will kick off the City & County Building’s holiday festivities on Wednesday, flipping the switch to turn the building into a festive scene for the whole season. The interactive holiday show will play twice per night at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. through Jan. 26, 2025, and the end of the National Western Stock Show. Credit: Briargate Family YMCA Mile High United Way Turkey Trot DENVER — The 51st annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot takes place Thanksgiving Day at Denver's Washington Park. The trot is a four-mile run/walk with proceeds supporting the Mile High United Way. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:45 a.m. Registration can be completed at UnitedWayDenver.org . Turkey ROCK Trot CASTLE ROCK — Castle Rock's Thanksgiving morning tradition returns Thursday. The 20th annual Turkey ROCK Trot is a 5K family run/walk/stroll perfect for the serious runner or the whole family. The 5K event begins in waves at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Event Center. The free 1K Kids Dash starts at 8:30 a.m. The Turkey ROCK Trot Health and Wellness Expo opens at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. For race registration, visit TurkeyROCKTrot.com . Stanley Harvesting Hope 5K DENVER — The 10th annual Stanley Harvesting Hope 5K arrives Thanksgiving morning at Denver's Central Park. The race starts at 9 a.m. for all ages and abilities. The event's proceeds are donated to the non-profit Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. You can register at HarvestingHope5K.com . Credit: Turkey ROCK Trot; HAL Sports Turkey Trot 5K COLORADO SPRINGS — The Briargate YMCA in Colorado Springs is hosting its 27th annual Turkey Trot 5K and Kids' Tiny Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The runs serve as a fundraiser for the YMCA and its many programs. The free kids' run starts at 8:15 a.m. and the Turkey Trot follows at 9 a.m. You can register for the Trot at PPYMCA.org . Gobble Wobble Run 5K LITTLETON — The Gobble Wobble is a 5K race at Littleton's Clement Park. The run/walk is open to serious athletes, aspiring runners, families and children alike. The 14th annual Gobble Wobble begins at 8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Registration is available at GobbleWobbleRun.org . Turkey Day 5K FRISCO — The 11th annual Turkey Day 5K takes place in Frisco on Thanksgiving morning. The event is open to all ages and takes place on the Summit County Recreation Path and Town of Frisco side streets. The race begins Thursday at 9:30 a.m. starting at the old Community Center. The event will sell out, so register soon at TownofFrisco.com . > Have an event tip? Send it here . Credit: Visit Estes Park Catch the Glow Parade ESTES PARK — Estes Park will kick off the holiday season with its annual Catch the Glow Parade . The lighted parade steps off Friday at 5:30 p.m. and runs the length of Elkhorn Avenue with marching bands playing holiday tunes, dancers with twinkly lights and terrific floats. Salida Parade of Lights/Lighting of Christmas Mountain SALIDA — Salida holds its annual Parade of Lights starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Salida will be transformed into Christmas Town following the parade with the lighting of "the world's largest Christmas tree" — a 4,500-bulb string of lights on Tenderfoot Mountain shaped into a Christmas tree. The huge holiday symbol, which can be seen over the Arkansas River Valley for miles, will be lit through the New Year. Pueblo Parade of Lights PUEBLO — The 34th annual Pueblo Parade of Lights marks the start of the Christmas season in southern Colorado. One of the largest Christmas parades in Colorado, the parade features floats, marching bands, drill teams, saddle club horses, classic cars and more. The Pueblo Parade of Lights steps off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday from Abriendo and Union Avenue, to City Center Drive to Main Street ending on 6th Street. The 2024 parade theme is “Toys, Trains and Candy Canes.” Credit: Denver Union Station Denver Union Station’s Grand Illumination DENVER — Denver Union Station's Grand Illumination will be grander than ever in 2024. The free holiday celebration on Friday includes the grand lighting of the station and the 40-foot outdoor Christmas tree. There will be a vintage holiday performance by the Denver Dolls and an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Entertainment starts at 4 p.m. before the tree lighting ceremony at 6:10 p.m. Credit: A Hudson Christmas Hudson Holidays LITTLETON — Hudson Gardens & Event Center will host the "Hudson Holidays" light show from Friday through Jan. 12. The event feature lighted gardens, a lighted maze and larger-than-life themed exhibits. Santa will make an appearance most evenings for free photo opportunity for families. Adults will also be able to purchase beer, wine and cocktails as well as food concessions. Tickets can be reserved at HudsonGardens.org. Olde Town Arvada Skating ARVADA — Nothing is more fun than a twirl around a skating rink under the twinkling lights. Olde Town Arvada opens its Olde Town Arvada Skating rink on Wednesday. Tickets with skate rentals are $10 for adults and $7 under 12 years old. Skate in the Park COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs has opened its ice-skating rink for the season. Tickets are $13 including skate rentals. Located in Acacia Park in downtown Colorado Springs, the Skate in the Park rink is open most days through Jan. 31. Credit: Rocky Mountain Train Show Rocky Mountain Train Show LOVELAND — The Rocky Mountain Train Show will be steaming into Loveland at The Ranch Events Complex at the Larimer County Fairgrounds this Saturday and Sunday. Perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike, this year's event covers over 36,000 square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls and will showcase operating layouts, LEGOs, numerous activities for kids and more. There will be 15 operating train layouts of different scales and sizes and over 200 tables of vendors selling trains, books, paints, scenery material and everything you might need to set up your own model train. The Rocky Mountain Train Show is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Credit: Mike Watson; Colorado Ballet Colorado Ballet’s The Nutcracker DENVER — Colorado Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" for a 64th year this holiday season. Colorado Ballet’s production returns to its home at the Denver Performing Arts Complex for 28 performances. For a fourth year, "The Nutcracker" will showcase its new sets and costumes created especially for Colorado Ballet by designers Thomas Boyd and Holly Hynes. The production will feature five different casts of dancers and live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. "The Nutcracker" will run this Saturday through Dec. 29 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Credit: Colorado Springs Philharmonic Colorado Springs Philharmonic's The Nutcracker COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs' professional performance of Tchaikovsky's " The Nutcracker " will play this weekend only at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. The Colorado Springs Philharmonic production features the Oklahoma City Ballet and Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Five performances of "The Nutcracker" are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday in downtown Colorado Springs. Grab your tickets at CSPhilharmonic.org . Credit: Town of Parker Mayor’s Holiday Lighting PARKER — The Town of Parker is prepared to welcome in the holiday season with its annual Mayor's Holiday Lighting on Friday. The Mayor and Parker Chorale will lead a sing-along to "Silent Night" to kick off the event, followed by the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. After the lighting at O'Brien Park, guests are encouraged to enjoy the sights of ice sculpture displays, holiday characters, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and holiday food vendors. Live entertainment includes the Parker Chorale, local high school choirs and Colorado School of Dance. The event begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. PHOTOS : Mayor’s Holiday Lighting in Parker Montrose Tree Lighting MONTROSE — The historic Montrose County Courthouse is the site of the annual Tree Lighting on Friday. The event will have Christmas carolers, cookies and hot cocoa. Following the tree lighting, the crowd will join Santa on his carriage ride to Santa’s Cabin for family fun and activities. Littleton Candlelight Walk LITTLETON — The annual Littleton Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting takes place Friday in downtown Littleton. The walk offers free hot cider, holiday entertainment, a parade down Main Street and a visit from Santa. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Friday. A drone show will fly over the west end of Main Street during a pause in the parade, just before Santa arrives. Tree Lighting Ceremony GRAND LAKE — Grand Lake’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday at Town Square Park. Grand Lake will ring in the holiday season with festive carols, warm fire pits, hand-crafted cookies, hot cocoa and a lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Keystone Winter Carnival KEYSTONE — Keystone's 12th annual Winter Carnival and Lighting of River Run offers cookies, hot chocolate, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday tree lighting and more. Warren Station will have cocoa, photo booth and performances from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday leading up the 5:15 p.m. tree lighting in the River Run Village. Credit: Hotel Colorado Hotel Colorado Lighting Ceremony GLENWOOD SPRINGS — One of Colorado's most historic hotels is ready for the holidays. Hotel Colorado will have live Christmas music and entertainment all day Friday leading up to its 34th annual lighting ceremony and firework show . The free celebration includes musical entertainment, visits with Santa Claus, ice carving, photo booth and more. More than half a million Christmas lights will be turned on simultaneously followed by a firework show from the top of the hotel. Credit: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Bridge of Lights CAÑON CITY — The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is preparing for its biggest and brightest event. Starting Friday, guests will be able to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge — 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River — amidst thousands of twinkling lights. Bridge of Lights is a drive-through event, and all guests must stay in their vehicles. Driving across the Royal Gorge Bridge is not regularly offered outside of pre-arranged car club groups. Bridge of Lights will run select dates through Dec. 31. > Have an event tip? Send it here . Credit: Joe Kusumoto Wassail Days FRISCO — Frisco's Wassail Days kicks off on Saturday before continuing to Sunday, Dec. 8. Frisco businesses will be serving special wassail recipes during the event while visitors try to fill up their "12 Sips of Wassail" card. The festival begins with the Frisco Holiday Lighting and fireworks at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Frisco Historic Park Gazebo. The lighting includes hot cider, hot mulled wine, cookies and s’mores kits. Credit: Denver Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights LITTLETON — Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms will be transformed into a glistening path of lights starting this Friday. The Trail of Lights holiday experience offers dancing Christmas trees, synchronized music in a children's play area, light tunnels, model tractor displays, hot beverages, nuts, kettle corn and more. Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms will be open various evenings through Jan. 5. Tickets are sold at BotanicGardens.org . Credit: City of Greeley Culture, Parks, and Recreation Festival of Trees GREELEY — The 35th annual Festival of Trees returns this weekend with the Union Colony Civic Center lobby being turned into a true winter wonderland. The festival features crafted trees, each decorated in their own unique theme and style, all vying for prizes. The nine-day Festival of Trees, which opens Friday and runs through Saturday, Dec. 7, also offers visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides and entertainment. Check out the full Festival of Trees schedule at GreeleyGov.com . Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski Deion Sanders confers with his son, safety Shilo Sanders, in the first half of an NCAA game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Boulder. Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Colorado Buffaloes BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes (8-3) football team closes out the regular season this Friday. Led by head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs are playing the Oklahoma State Cowboys at 10 a.m. Friday at Folsom Field in Boulder. Utah State Aggies vs. Colorado State Rams FORT COLLINS — The Colorado State Rams (7-4) football team has its final regular-season game at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Canvas Stadium. The Rams host the Utah State Aggies. Credit: Visit Creede Creede Chocolate Festival CREEDE — Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Creede Chocolate Festival runs Friday and Saturday with business owners showcasing all things chocolate. Wildly unique samples range from tiramisu, tortes and chocolate-covered pretzels to jalapeno bean fudge and chocolate-dipped bacon. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be found around town during the holiday shopping weekend. Credit: stock.adobe.com How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Concert DENVER — The Colorado Symphony is celebrating the holiday classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" this weekend. The Ron Howard-directed 2000 film starring Jim Carrey will be featured in a concert and movie screening on Friday and Saturday at Boettcher Concert Hall at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. For tickets and showtimes, visit ColoradoSymphony.org . Drums of the World DENVER — The percussionists of the Colorado Symphony shine in "Drums of the World" at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Boettcher Concert Hall. Plan for marimba, bongos, bass drums, woodblocks, log drums, boo-bams, Chinese cymbals, metal trash cans, darabukkas, talking drums, plastic pipe, acoustic guitar, toy trumpet, tablespoons, Burma gongs, water can, crow call, tambourine, gankogui and sleigh bells. Credit: Gaylord Rockies ICE at Gaylord Rockies AURORA — Gaylord Rockies has opened its annual holiday exhibition "ICE." More than two million pounds of ice has been transformed into a winter wonderland to celebrate the film "The Polar Express." The 17,000-square-foot frozen attraction was carved from 6,000 ice blocks using chippers, tongs, handsaws, grinders and chainsaws. The environment is kept frozen by a chilling system that maintains the temperature at nine degrees Fahrenheit. Guests get to wear a blue parka to stay warm inside the exhibition. "ICE" at Gaylord Rockies will be open through Jan. 1. RELATED: Colorado’s largest indoor frozen attraction opening Credit: Pueblo Zoo ElectriCritters at Pueblo Zoo PUEBLO — ElectriCritters will be delighting kids of all ages for a 31st year at the Pueblo Zoo. The 2024 event opens the day after Thanksgiving and continues through Dec. 29. The Pueblo Zoo tradition features magical light creations, hot cocoa, tasty treats and holiday shopping, plus free photos with Santa Claus on Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. Credit: 9NEWS Zoo Lights DENVER — More than three million lights are illuminating the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 34th annual Zoo Lights. The Mile High City zoo's 80 acres have been adorned with millions of lights and animated light sculptures for the event, which runs through Jan. 5. RELATED: 3 million lights to illuminate Colorado zoo for the holidays Credit: Denver Christkindlmarket Christkindlmarket DENVER — The 24th annual Denver Christkindlmarket runs through Dec. 23 at Civic Center Park. The authentic German-style holiday market hosts both local and European crafts vendors, food vendors and free holiday entertainment. The Denver Christkindlmarket is free and open to the public. RELATED: Here's what to expect at the Denver Christkindlmarket Credit: Cherry Creek North Cherry Creek North DENVER — The Cherry Creek Holiday Market is back for a fifth year with vendor booths lining both sides of Fillmore Plaza between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street. Shop from dozens of hand-picked vendors before enjoying Cherry Creek North's pop-up holiday bar, the Mistletoe Lounge. Belleview Stadium Holiday Bazaar DENVER — Denver BAZAAR brings its holiday shopping extravaganza to Belleview Station on Small Business Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor market will have more than 75 vendors and makers, live music, market bar, beer garden and food trucks. Mistletoe Market DENVER — Held in the alley located next to the Dairy Block food market, the Mistletoe Market pop-up market will feature more than a dozen vendors each weekend. There will also be live carolers, holiday music, photo ops, gift-wrapping station and festive cocktails. The four-weekend market is free to attend from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend, as well as Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, and Dec. 21-22. Horseshoe Holiday Market DENVER — The Horseshoe Holiday Market is part makers market, part flea market. Organizers expect vendors selling everything from handmade gifts to antiques. The market will be held at the Highlands Masonic Temple this Small Business Saturday and Sunday. A market will also be held Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton. Colorado Makers Holiday Market FORT COLLINS — The Colorado Makers Holiday Market at the Aztlan Community Center is designed to connect people in Fort Collins to creative people making unique goods in their community. They focus on bringing shoppers a selection of products that are handmade, high-quality and diverse. The free-to-attend market will be held Saturday and Sunday. Credit: Visit Denver Mile High Drone Show DENVER — The sky over Denver will be lit up for 40 straight nights with a series of holiday and Denver-themed drone shows through New Year's Eve. The 15-minute shows will extend 400 feet in the air and spread 500 feet wide with a variety of about two-dozen animated scenes. The drones will launch just west of downtown Denver. Some recommended viewing sites include Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Ball Arena parking lot. Credit: Visit Loveland Colorado Winter Wonderlights LOVELAND — The walkable holiday lighting attraction Winter Wonderlights is now open at Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. Each night, visitors can walk through a free choreographed light show of 300,000 holiday lights. This year’s event is bigger and brighter with a new expansive event footprint offering more twinkling lights and experiences. Winter Wonderlights will be open through Jan. 1. RELATED: Nightly light show opens this winter in northern Colorado Credit: Jamie Kraus Photography A Christmas Carol DENVER — A Colorado tradition has returned to the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company will stage its 30th annual production of "A Christmas Carol" through Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Wolf Theatre. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the Denver musical adaptation traces curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. Tickets are on sale at DenverCenter.org . RELATED: 30 years in Denver: 'A Christmas Carol' opens for anniversary production Credit: Visit Denver Mile High Tree DENVER — A massive digital tree has returned in downtown Denver for the holiday season. The seven-story tall Mile High Tree features holiday light shows on a pixel LED-technology tree. Ten feet taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center, the giant tree is set up at Civic Center Park, next to the Christkindlmarket , near the Denver City and County Building. The Mile High Tree will be lit up nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 23. RELATED: Denver's massive Christmas tree is back Credit: Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light DENVER — The signature event at Denver Botanic Gardens is back this holiday season. Blossoms of Light , a Denver tradition for nearly four decades, transforms the York Street gardens into a twinkling wonderland. More than one million lights are used to illuminate a mile-long path including a 200-foot-long light tunnel, a choreographed light display, glowing orbs in the Monet Pool, and projections on the Science Pyramid. Blossoms of Light will be open through Jan. 12. RELATED: Blossoms of Light returns to Denver Botanic Gardens Credit: 9NEWS Christmas in Color FEDERAL HEIGHTS — Denver's biggest drive-through Christmas light displays are bringing back the magic. Christmas in Color displays will be lit at Water World in Federal Heights and in Aurora at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. There will also be a new location this year at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, replacing a display that had been at Bandimere Speedway. The displays each feature more than one million LED lights arranged into tunnels, trees, giant candy canes, snowflakes and more, all synchronized to festive holiday music on the FM radio dial. The locations at Water World and Arapahoe County Fairgrounds are open for the season, while Red Rocks opens Friday, Nov. 29. Christmas in Color is open 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 29. RELATED: Drive-through Christmas lights displays opening in Colorado Credit: Gaylord Hotels Cirque: Frost AURORA — The new "Cirque: Frost" acrobatic show has opened at Gaylord Rockies. Following a young Jack Frost as he discovers his destiny as the legendary winter spirit, the 50-minute show of high-flying stuns and breathtaking feats in a heartwarming tale of a dreamer who brings enchantment and wonder to the world. "Cirque: Frost" runs through Jan. 1. Credit: Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express Train Ride GOLDEN — The Colorado Railroad Museum has brought back its holiday tradition of "The Polar Express Train Ride." Performances are held on select dates through Dec. 23. The train ride features a cabaret-style show, singing, hot chocolate and Santa, recreating "The Polar Express" story. Credit: Denver Museum of Nature & Science Animals of the Rainforest DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has opened its newest exhibition, "Animals of the Rainforest." An immersive, live-animal experience aims to transport visitors into the world's most diverse ecosystem. Guests will come face-to-face with rainforest animals, explore displays of recreated natural habitats and learn about conservation efforts. "Animals of the Rainforest" is included with museum admission. Credit: Disney via AP Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, left, and Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, in a scene from "Moana 2." Movies this weekend With a combined $270 million in worldwide ticket sales, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” breathed fresh life into a box office leading to one of the busiest moviegoing weekends of the year. Jon M. Chu’s big-budget musical “Wicked” debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally for Universal Picture last weekend. With “Moana 2” releasing Wednesday, Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. New movies this weekend Moana 2 Last weekend's box office "Wicked," $114 million. “Gladiator II,” $55.5 million. “Red One,” $13.3 million. “Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy Assassin," $5.1 million. “Venom: The Last Dance,” $4 million. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” $3.5 million. “Heretic,” $2.2 million. “The Wild Robot,” $2 million. “Smile 2,” $1.1 million. “A Real Pain,” $1.1 million. Related Articles 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts 9NEWS Parade of Lights returning for 50th year ‘Wicked’ review: Erivo, Grande shine in new adaptation of Broadway classic Would you like to see you favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com . Have a thankful weekend! 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On the other hand, the True Blue-Black, also known as the underdogs of this season's Champions League, have been on a remarkable winning streak in their domestic league. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, including Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, and Nicolo Barella, they have been causing upsets and turning heads with their attacking prowess and solid defense. Their manager, Antonio Conte, has instilled a winning mentality in his team, and they will be eager to continue their impressive run by taking down the mighty Real Madrid.
After a slow start to the season, Chelsea has gradually found their form and hit their stride in recent weeks. With a formidable defense led by the imperious Christensen and with the midfield maestros Kante and Jorginho pulling the strings, Chelsea has become a dominant force on the field. Their attack has also been firing on all cylinders, with the dynamic duo of Havertz and Werner wreaking havoc on opposing defenses.Whenever she hangs up her ropes, Jackie Crawford will go down as one of the best ever to compete. Her 23 world titles are second in the history of the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association behind only Wanda Harper Bush, who won the last of her 32 titles in 1969. Among Crawford’s more impressive feats is capturing a world title at the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping while she was six months pregnant with her daughter Journey. In March, she took home her first RodeoHouston title, leaving her with just one box to check: competing in the Thomas &Mack Center during the National Finals Rodeo. “That will always linger there. I can’t make it go away,” Crawford says. “That’s one of those I will always dream of.” This year’s breakaway roping champion will be crowned Dec. 3 and 4 at the South Point. Given that the NFBR is scheduled to return there in 2025, time may be running out for the 41-year-old known as the Queen of Breakaway Roping. ‘Growth has just been phenomenal’ It’s the fastest event in rodeo, often resulting in winning times of 2 seconds or less. After a calf leaves the chute, a cowgirl gives chase. Once she ropes it around its neck, she stops her horse, pulling the rope taut and causing the nylon string that connects the rope to her saddle horn to break away. That’s when the timer stops the clock, ending the action without the calf being thrown to the ground or tied. It’s also the fastest-growing event in rodeo. In 2019, breakaway was part of 30 competitions sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. This year, it was included in 500 rodeos. (Surprisingly, there’s still room to grow as the PRCA puts on 800 rodeos a year.) “This growth has just been phenomenal,” says Jimmie Munroe, the ProRodeo Hall of Famer who’s on her third stint as president of the WPRA. The road to this current boom, though, has been long and frequently rocky. A breakaway national champion was first crowned by the National High School Rodeo Association in 1953, yet the event wasn’t added to the Girls Rodeo Association, the precursor of the WPRA, until 1974. Breakaway world champions were crowned that year and the next, but the title wasn’t awarded again until 1982, when Las Vegas’ Pam Minick took the crown. Two decades later, Crawford won what was until that point breakaway roping’s largest prize: a saddle, a bumper pull trailer and $6,000. “And I thought, ‘I’ll never see this again a day in my life,’ ” she says. “ ‘This is it. This is the top of the mountain, right here.’ ” On March 11, 2023, Crawford left The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas, with a check for $600,000 for a single day’s work. Perfect timing Shelby Boisjoli-Meged came along at just the right time. The 26-year-old grew up in Langdon, Alberta, but relocated to the rodeo hotbed of Stephenville, Texas, which Crawford also calls home. Boisjoli-Meged moved there with her sisters and fellow ropers Makayla and Marissa in search of rodeo opportunities that just weren’t available in Canada. She was attending Ranger College in 2017 when WPRA ropers began lobbying for their inclusion in PRCA events in the Columbia River Circuit states of Oregon and Washington. In 2019, Boisjoli-Meged was the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s reserve breakaway roping champion. The same year, Chicago’s Windy City Roundup added breakaway and offered a payout equal to its core events. Crawford took home the $50,000 top prize. “After that happened, I feel like it just blew the ceiling off of breakaway roping,” Boisjoli-Meged says. “All of the jackpots took off, and they paid a crazy amount of money. There were girls making over $200,000 a year at the breakaway jackpots. Everything just took off after that.” She joined the WPRA in 2020 and qualified for the first National Finals Breakaway Roping that year. That inaugural event took place in Arlington alongside the National Finals Rodeo during its pandemic-related exile from Las Vegas. Since then, the competition has served as a lead-in to the NFR, first at Orleans Arena before moving to its current home at the South Point in 2022. Last year, Boisjoli-Meged won her first gold buckle along with an NFBR-record $33,157 over the two days of competition to finish with a single-season earnings record of $197,706. That capped a remarkable year that included her wedding to Haven Meged, the 2019 tie-down roping world champion. “I was on such a high that I guess I didn’t realize how surreal it was and how great of a year it really was,” Boisjoli-Meged says. “And then I think it took until this year when I’m struggling a little bit to realize like, ‘Wow, last year was incredible.’ I don’t think I’ll ever have another year just like that.” Similar path as barrel racing Marriage aside, years like that would have been tough to fathom for the 38 women — including National Cowgirl Hall of Fame members Isora DeRacy Young, Blanche Altizer Smith and Betty Barron Dusek — who came together on Feb. 28, 1948, in San Angelo, Texas, to form the Girls Rodeo Association. “They didn’t want to just carry flags and be in different acts,” Munroe says. “They wanted to have the opportunity to compete.” The GRA hosted its own events, but its members also began lobbying rodeo committees to include them. Given the choice of adding cutting, bronc riding or barrel racing, it was the latter that caught on. “Well, for one thing, there was no stock involved,” Munroe says, noting that the only added expense for rodeos was the prize money. “It was very easy to understand. It was like a horse race. There wasn’t judging involved; the fastest time won.” Munroe adds that the cowgirls “really had to dress up back then, so it was colorful,” which contributed to barrel racing’s appeal. Still, during the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Dallas in 1959, barrel racing was nowhere to be seen. The ladies wouldn’t join the NFR until 1967. That was the last time an event was added to its ranks. No room at the Thomas &Mack “It’s not dissimilar to how we saw the growth and excitement behind barrel racing,” Paul Woody says of the rise of breakaway roping. “Through the growth and a lot of people pushing and doing what they did, it was finally able to be added and became an equal-paying event at the NFR. Now, there’s not a single rodeo that takes place across the country that doesn’t include barrel racing.” But Woody, the chief marketing officer of the PRCA, cautions that it won’t be easy to add breakaway as the NFR’s eighth event. “The reality is, between site logistics, economic considerations, the timing of the event, there’s just some things that still have to be worked through before we would be able to host that event in the building.” The Thomas &Mack Center already accommodates the top 15 competitors in bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and tie-down roping, as well as the top 15 headers and top 15 heelers in team roping — plus their horses and the event stock — during each of the NFR’s 10 days. There simply isn’t room right now for another event, Woody says. It wouldn’t be right, he adds, to let all the other competitors house their horses on-site but make the breakaway competitors find other accommodations. “It’s an unfair ask if we would say, ‘Well, you get to be in there, but you don’t get to have the same amenities or credentials that come with competing at the world championships.’ ” Bigger than prize money Crawford isn’t ready to give up on her dream. As recently as 2011, she was the only cowgirl she knew of who was making a living solely through roping. Now, Crawford says, there are several doing that, and she sees parents steering their girls toward breakaway as a career path. She’s performing so well, and the money has gotten so big, that her husband, 10-time NFR qualifier Charly Crawford, stepped back from his team roping career in 2021 to support her and their children. The prize pool at this year’s National Finals Breakaway Roping has increased to $300,000, up from $250,000, but that’s dwarfed by the approximately $1.5 million awarded in each event at the National Finals Rodeo. That isn’t what motivates Crawford to want to be a part of the NFR, she says, adding that she can’t recall ever seeing a retired athlete say that what they miss most about competing is the money. “For me, it’s the experiences,” Crawford says. “It is the atmospheres. That’s the stuff that I’ll always remember.” She’s gotten a taste of the NFR, having assisted Trevor Brazile during one of his triple crown years. “Being back there in that tunnel with those guys was the most unbelievable feeling, the most electrifying feeling, that is indescribable to me,” Crawford says. The experience left her craving more. “I just want to run one with that group of elite athletes. The guys, the barrel racers. I just wanna be a part of it, and I want to run a calf in the middle of it.” Waiting for history While Boisjoli-Meged waits for her time to shine at the NFR, her horse Lil Punch has been there and done that. Last year, Haven Meged set a Thomas &Mack tie-down roping record of 6.4 seconds aboard his wife’s then-6-year-old gelding. “I’m kinda jealous my horse got to go there before me,” Boisjoli-Meged admits. She attended her first National Finals Rodeo in 2016 to support her cousin, saddle bronc rider Jake Watson. Their whole family was there cheering him on, so she knows that taking to the dirt inside the Thomas &Mack would mean the world to more than just her. “I know the sense of pride I felt. I was teary-eyed and just so excited for my cousin when I got to watch him compete there,” she says. “So I think of all the grandparents and the moms and dads and the siblings and all the families and friends that will just be so excited to see all that hard work pay off.” Boisjoli-Meged can see that day in her mind, and she’s convinced it will come.
A late-game rally derailed by a missed field goal and Cowboys stun Commanders 34-26
The latest rankings not only highlight China's exceptional talent and unparalleled success in the sport but also underscore the country's unwavering dedication to table tennis excellence. With a rich history of table tennis dominance and a legacy of producing world-class athletes, China continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the global table tennis arena.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Snapping a franchise-record 10-game losing streak, winning for the first time at home this season and ending the Indianapolis Colts' slim playoff hopes Sunday didn't salvage the season for the New York Giants. The main positive in the 45-33 win that Drew Lock led with four touchdown passes and a late TD run was the Giants (3-13) got to walk off the field with smiles for the first time in months after a season of misery that will could lead to major changes. Another factor from the win: New York no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Giants coach Brian Daboll, who has had two straight losing seasons following a playoff berth in 2022 in his first year, said that he was happy the team got a chance to celebrate after losing eight straight at MetLife Stadium. “Those guys put a lot into it. They come out, they grind every day. They have good attitudes,” Daboll said. “It’s never easy when you when are losing. But I’m proud of the character and all the people in the building, and I’m mostly happy for them.” Lock, who threw two pick-6s in the loss to Atlanta a week ago, sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan'Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. “I've won a lot in my life,” Slayton said. "I wouldn’t say I ever forget the feeling of winning, but, you know, obviously it’s nice to get that feeling back today.” Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league's worst offense set a season high for points. Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of 3 and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and 7 yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, clinched the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a 5-yard run. “It’s kudos to him,” said Nabers, who now has 104 catches for 1,140 yards and six touchdowns. “He looked over the film, found some things that he could get better on and did all that through the week, and it showed how good he can be.” The 45 points were the most for New York since putting up 49 in a 52-49 loss to the Saints in 2015. It’s the Giants most in a win since a 45-14 rout against Washington in 2014 and most at home since a 52-27 win against the Saints in 2012. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft, Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. “That’s why we drafted him, where we drafted him,” Daboll said. “I’ve been asked about it since training camp and I think the response has been, ‘He’s a pretty good football player.’” Flacco was 26 of 38 for 330 yards with two interceptions, the second by rookie Dru Phillips shortly after Lock's TD run. Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards in a win over Tennessee last week, finished with 125 yards on 32 carries. Pierce had six catches for 122 yards. The Colts came into the game needing to win their final two games and also get help to make the playoffs. “We had something to play for today and obviously we didn’t get it done," Flacco said. The Colts haven't made the playoffs since posting an 11-5 record in 2020. “It's hard to explain,” said Colts coach Shane Steichen, who led the team to a 9-8 record in his first season in 2023. “We had to play a complete game. We haven’t done it all year. We have to be on the same page, and to go out there like that is obviously not good enough.” Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. Colts: Richardson was inactive with foot and back injuries sustained against Tennessee. Giants: DL Armon Watts (knee) was ruled out in the first half. Colts: Finish the regular season by hosting Jacksonville. Giants: At Philadelphia to face Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLKlavan's announcement has been met with support and enthusiasm from the football community, both in Estonia and beyond. His commitment to the development of football in his country is commendable, and his candidacy for the presidency signals a promising future for Estonian football.