Saddle up for Donkey Derby Days in Cripple Creek

(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.) — The 93rd annual Donkey Derby Days are just around the corner in Cripple Creek, promising three days of free, fun-filled festivities. Watch FOX21 News take part in the races!

The festivities take place from Friday, June 28, to Sunday, June 30, starting with live music on Friday evening. Saturday morning, a parade will feature the Fort Carson 4th Infantry Division Color Guard and Band, the Al Kaly Shriners, and more.

Attendees can fill their stomachs with a pancake breakfast at the Fire Station on East Bennet Avenue from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and homemade Mexican food at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Hall at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

A silent auction takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the upper Mezzanine of the Double Eagle Hotel and Casino on Bennett Avenue. This kid-friendly atmosphere offers the chance to bid on grand prizes, such as a two-night stay for two at the famous C Lazy U Guest Ranch in Granby, Colorado, or a week’s stay at the Hawaiian Princess at a Makaha oceanfront condo in Waianae, Oahu, Hawaii.

Try your luck at winning free nights at local casinos in Cripple Creek, professional paintings, donkey artwork, wine collections, jewelry, collectibles, and a variety of other treasures.

The stars of the festival are the famous Cripple Creek Donkeys, who are free to roam the streets of Cripple Creek, a tradition since the 1930s when they were permanently released from their work in the mines.

The donkey races will be held on Saturday and Sunday, featuring special racing donkeys from Laughing Valley Ranch in Northern Colorado. FOX21 News will defend its 2023 title in the Media Race on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., with Weekend Anchor Austin Sack and Photojournalist Sean Scott representing the station. Be sure to come cheer them to the finish line!

The Donkey Race Schedule is listed below:

Saturday, June 29, 2024
12:30 pm – Qualifying Race #1
1:30 pm – Qualifying Race #2
2:30 pm – Media Race
3:30 pm – Military/1st Responders Race
4:30 pm – Trophy Race

Sunday, June 30, 2024
11:00 am – Casino Race
Noon – Businessman’s Race
1:00 pm – Fun Race

There is a fantastic lineup of music to enjoy during the entire weekend, including the Air Force Wild Blue Country band, up-and-coming artist Maddox Ross, and a variety of genres by various bands.

Below is the concert schedule:

Friday, June 28, 2024:
4-5:30 pm, Larry’s Garage Band
6:30–9 pm, USAFA “Wild Blue Country”

Saturday, June 29, 2024:
12:30-2:30 pm, Mimic
3:30–5:30 pm, JustUs
6:30–9 pm, USAFA “Wild Blue Country”

Sunday, June 30, 2024:
11 am-12:30 pm, McDeviants
1:30–3 pm, Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band
4–6 pm, Maddox Ross
Busker Stage at City Hall Parking Lot:

Saturday, June 29, 2024:
2:30-4:30 pm, Maddox Ross
5:30-7:30pm, Luciano Varas

Sunday, June 30, 2024:
12:30-2:30pm, LucianoVaras

There are plenty of other activities to be enjoyed during the festival. To learn more, check out the link for the website above or go to: cripplecreekdonkeys.com/donkeyderbydays.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.