CRIPPLE CREEK DONKEY DERBY DAYS: CRIPPLE CREEK, COLORADO

I’ve attended every Donkey Derby Day since I was 21 but the Covid and other issues brought it to a halt in 2022. But I’m ready to have a good time again. This is my favorite Colorado Event. These few days are a Kick in the Ass (literally)

I’m posting this now so those of you who would rather reserve a hotel, motel or hostel start searching for one soon. Also if you’re into reserved camping near Cripple Creek this would be a good time to start searching for one.

I’m not a travel advisor or travel agent so I don’t know anything about hotels, motels or hostels or their rates or accommodations. Neither do I know much about information regarding reserved campsites or their rates, so this is something those who need information about either will have to be self-sufficient and look up the information you are needing.

For those who are wanting to disperse camp with me I'll be starting my annual Meetup Camping Group around Mid-April and will be camping near the RAMPART RESERVOIR AND RANGE. I know a few located between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek.

Also, for those who want to do any hiking you’ll need to find a trail or trails and share your ideas in the comment section. My focus is on the camping, concerts and breweries, the donkey races and the train rides.

There are a lot of fishing areas nearby but I have no clue what type of fish or the bait you need to use to catch them.
I’ll be camping from June 27th to the day after the Donkey Derby Days.

Try to meet me and others at the fire station
June 27 - 30, 2024
Cripple Creek, Colorado, got its name because livestock frequently became injured while crossing the stream, with one legend stating a calf broke its leg after jumping over a fence and landing in a gully.
Cripple Creek was put on the map by a cowboy named Bob Womack, who for almost 15 years searched the southwest slope of Pikes Peak for gold. In 1890 he finally discovered the precious metal in Poverty Gulch, which later became the town of Cripple Creek.

Thousands of prospectors flocked to the region between 1890 and 1910 and it became the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp.” More than 22,400,000 ounces of gold was extracted from more than 500 mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor region. This amounted to $11.2 billion (in today’s dollars) in gold.

The beginning of Donkey Derby Days dates back to the 1930s when local businessman Charley Lehew thought a festival would attract people to Cripple Creek. He and some business partners decided that donkey racing would be the main event. They built a donkey race track, found sponsors, food and entertainment vendors and the result was the first

Donkey Derby Days festival.
When: June 27-29, 2024
Where: Downtown Cripple Creek, Colorado
Cost: FREE
Schedule
Friday, June 27
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: District Museum: Live music (Wild Blue Country) and Street Dance Friday night

Saturday, June 28
7:00 am – 10:00 am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Vendors/Food Trucks Open
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Silent Auction at Double Eagle
11:00 am: Parade up Bennett Ave.
11:00 am: Open Beer Gardens
12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm: Concert Start Time starts on Main Stage at the District Museum
12:30 pm: Busker’s stage concerts throughout the afternoon at City Hall Beer Tent
12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm: start times for Donkey Derby Races
9:00 pm: Last Call for Alcohol

Sunday, June 29
7:00 am – 10:00 am: ELKS PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Cripple Creek Fire Station
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Vendors/Food Trucks Open
11:00 am: Open Beer Gardens
11:00 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm: Concert Start Time starts on Main Stage at the District Museum
11:00 am: Busker’s stage concerts throughout the afternoon at City Hall Beer Tent
11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm: Start times for Donkey Derby Races
3:15 pm: Announce Winner of “50/50” Raffle on Main Concert Stage
5:30 pm: Last Call for Alcohol
6:00 pm: Beer Garden closed

Train Information: Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad:
Each trip on the Cripple Creek Railroad is four miles (roundtrip) and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The train departs from the railroad station approximately every 40 minutes. RATE INFORMATION: Adults $17; Children ages 3-12 $12; Children under 3 are Free; Seniors over 65 $15. LOCATION: Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is in south central Colorado in Cripple Creek along the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway.

Like I wrote, I’ll be starting my annual Camping and Getaways group probably in Mid-May but it will be a private group. I'll be sure to send you all a message and a link.

I hope to see you all there!!!
Don