Cripple Creek set to release the donkeys
Release the donkeys.
Cripple Creek’s famous donkey herd will be released to wander free around the town on May 25.
The Two Mile High Club, caretakers of the Cripple Creek Donkeys, announced the annual donkey release will take place on May 25. They will be free to roam as they will throughout the summer, returning to their winter pasture in October.
The event celebrates the original herd of donkeys released from their work in the gold mines in the 1900s to roam freely about the region, whose rich gold mining history lives on today.
The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at C Street and Thurlow Avenue in Cripple Creek. A reenactor portraying President Teddy Roosevelt will provide visitors with a “bully welcome” Local legend ties Roosevelt to the original donkey release in the early 1900s, believing that he inspired the mine owners to free the donkeys from the mines, where they often didn’t see the light of day.
As the event coincides with Memorial Day, American Legion Post 171 will make a presentation on the significance of the day and honoring those who have served.
The event is free, and parking is available on side streets. Attendees are encouraged to bring sunscreen, water and camp chairs. The Elks Club will be on hand to sell hamburgers and hot dogs to those who don’t bring a picnic lunch.
Leading the charge are members of the Two Mile High Club, who are the caretakers of the beloved donkey herd.
“As a nonprofit volunteer organization, The Two Mile High Club relies on these celebratory fundraisers, grants, donations and sponsorships to provide year-round care for the donkeys and has done so since 1931 with the original herd and throughout the past 95 years as other donkeys joined the herd,” said Annie Valades, Two Mile High Club President.
Timothy Hay Cubes will be available to feed the donkeys as part of TMHC’s Healthy Herd campaign.
“Before the campaign began, the critters enjoyed too many carrots, sugary fruits, and human food and their health suffered,” an event press release said. “The donkeys’ health has improved as visitors embraced the information.”
The 95th Annual Donkey Derby Days will be held on June 26-28. The free, fun-filled family weekend will feature donkey races up Bennett Avenue, a kids zone, beer gardens, food trucks, street vendors and live music all weekend. Featured bands include the United States Air Force Academy Wild Blue Country and The Martini Shot along with returning favorites, Maddox Ross, Just Us, Mimic and more.
On Sunday Dakota Blonde will make its first appearance at Donkey Derby Days. New this year, will be professional pack burro races on Sunday along with an associated poop drop contest https://poopdrop.com/PoopDrop/Index/2034.
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