DENVER (AP) — The National Western Stock Show is formally getting underway with its traditional parade and cattle drive in downtown Denver.

Longhorn steers will be driven 13 blocks along 17th Street from Union Station to Tremont Place starting at noon today.

The 108th edition of the show runs 16 days. Events began Sunday with a quarter horse show. Rodeo performances start Saturday.

More than 15,000 animals from alpacas to yaks are brought to the show.,

Attendance last year was about 628,000, down from a record 727,000 in 2006.