Normally staid denizens of Denver donned Colorado western wear on Friday, letting their true inner cowboy and cowgirl shine at this year’s Boots ‘n Business annual luncheon. The event, which attracted about 950 community leaders, kicked off the 106th annual National Western Stockshow & Rodeo.

Businessmen wore spiffy cowboy boots and Stetsons and the ladies showed off fancy western shirts as a virtual who’s who sauntered through the grub line and dined on beef (of course) and beans.

Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, in appropriate attire, talked about the importance of the Stock Show to the state, with its economic impact and educational scholarships listed high in civic benefits.

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president Kelly Brough, who hails from Montana and is no stranger to the western way, also stressed the importance of the 16-day Stock Show, which features 41 exciting performances from Jan. 7-22.

And Denver Metro Chamber chairman of the board Hassan Salem saluted the proud sponsors which had joined presenting sponsor US Bank-Colorado (which he presides over) to make sure this year’s luncheon came off without a hitch.

The only small glitch in the festivities came when the main entertainment, a cowboy monkey named Whiplash, was set to ride his border collie and herd wild Barbados sheep for the guests. Apparently Whiplash, who’s been featured at numerous appearances at NBA games and other sporting events, was a little gun shy on Friday when it was his turn to take the stage. Brough and her compatriots stretched out their remarks until the monkey settled down.

It was well worth the wait as Whiplash, wearing white chaps with Tim Tebow’s No. 15 emblazoned on them, darted out on his border collie partner and performed admirably for the guests.