The 2025 National Western Stock Show Parade officially has its Grand Marshal.

The National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, officials announced on Tuesday longtime Colorado ambassador, avid equestrian and 9News Chief Meteorologist Kathy Sabine will be the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Stock Show Kick-Off Parade. 9News is The Denver Gazette’s news partner.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, Sabine will lead the iconic parade, kicking off the start to the 119th National Western Stock Show. The parade will start at noon outside Union Station and will march twelve blocks down 17th Street to Glenarm Place.

Sabine will guide the procession, which includes a “spectacular array of over 30 Longhorn cattle, horses, and western wagons, through the streets of downtown Denver,” according to a news release. The parade marks the start of the “best 16 days in January,” and serves as a reminder of the state’s rich history and the importance of preserving its agricultural traditions.

“Each January, downtown Denver transforms into a living celebration of our Western roots,” Paul Andrews, president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show said. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Kathy Sabine, a true advocate for the Western way of life, leading this iconic event.”

Sabine is well known across Colorado.

She’s spent decades connecting with viewers through her accurate weather forecasts and warm personality. But beyond the newsroom, Sabine has deep ties to the Western lifestyle.

She was raised in the mountain town of Truckee, California and grew up with a love for the outdoors and animals. She began horseback riding as a child, eventually competing in barrel racing and serving as a rodeo queen.

Sabine’s professional journey reflects her diverse passions as well.

She initially pursued Veterinary Science at Cal Poly before transitioning to journalism, later earning a Meteorology degree from Metropolitan State College (as it was known then) in Denver and Mississippi State University.

Today, Sabine supports organizations such as the National Western Stock Show, Colorado Horse Council, and local 4-H and FFA programs. Her commitment to agriculture shines through her role as host of the Junior Livestock Auction, where she highlights the importance of agricultural education and youth involvement. In addition to her professional contributions, Kathy devotes time to charitable causes and embraces Colorado’s natural beauty with her family — spending her free time riding horses, skiing, hiking, and running.

“The National Western Stock Show is an event that’s so dear to my heart, and I’m beyond excited to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade,”  Sabine said. “Growing up with horses and a love for the outdoors, I can’t think of a more fitting way to kick off an event that celebrates everything I cherish about western culture and agriculture.”

Parade-goers, downtown businesses, and passer-byers are invited to the Stock Show Fair at McGregor Square following the parade, with McNicholas Miniatures therapy horses, western royalty, a food market, and more.

The 119th year of the National Western Stock Show runs from Jan. 11-26, at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver. For a full schedule, and tickets, visit nationalwestern.com.