The Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast spurs the start of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo season early Wednesday.

The 82-year-old tradition started with 35 people served from a chuckwagon outside Joe Reich’s Swiss Chalet. More than 8,000 people are expected at this week’s event from 5:30 to 9 a.m. Western attire is encouraged.

Children age 5 and under eat free. Others buy a collectible wooden token for $5 and line up to be served eggs, pancakes, milk, juice and coffee by Fort Carson volunteers.

Then they can plop down on hay bales and enjoy the classic Western tunes of the Flying W Wranglers, a trick roper, Native American hoop dancers, a costume contest for little cowpokes ages 3 to 10, plus more music by Exit West and students of the Colorado Springs Conservatory.

The breakfast is in the heart of downtown, at Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street. More than 300 volunteers start preparations at 11 the night before.

“There are about 50 Fort Carson volunteers between the cooks, the logisticians and the Mounted Color Guard,” said lead volunteer Katherine Toman. “This is a huge commitment for Fort Carson due to the fact that most of the post is currently deployed.”

The Pikes Peak Range Riders dole out the proceeds to The Home Front Cares, Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center and Gold Star Survivors, which distribute them to military and their families.

“It is good to give back to a community who continually supports our military. Fort Carson and Colorado Springs possess a strong commitment to one another that is made evident during shared events such as the annual Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast,” said Army spokeswoman Brandy Gill.