traffic during stock show is unique...what normally applies changes dramatically. There is a pretty good bet that I-70 into the mountains on sat/sun morning and eastbound on sat/sun evenings will be terrible. (If you plan to ski, pick a week day.)
Weather forecast during stock show is guaranteed to vary dramatically from one day to another. We will (during that week) have at least one day of sunshine and 40+ degrees; at least one day of unbelievable cold; and at least one day with significant snow. (The remaining 3 or 4 days of your visit are likely to give you all three within a few hours.)
Beyond that there are absolutely no guarantees.
:eek1:
As far as LFS visits...there are several worth visiting, depending upon what interests you. I'll be updating this soon but I think you'll find most of these observations are still applicable.
these (There's a link at the top to a google map that will show you where they are located.)
Quick addenda: Sherman Tank has closed (and is relocating). Hours at Quality Aqua have been cut back a lot. A nice new (but not large) store, Great Barrier Reef, has opened at 8876 E. Maximus Dr. in Lonetree (suburb southend of Denver). their phone is 303-799-1511. Their website is
here.
I know a couple of other stores up north have gone through some dramatic changes since I've been in to comment. I'm sure others will add their recommendations.