Cripple Creeks hosts annual Donkey Derby Days

Cripple Creek is showing off its wild side and it’s bringing in thousands of tourists.

The city is hosting the 84th annual Donkey Derby Days this weekend.

“Look at all the people up here today,” said Dan Taylor, a visitor from Woodland Park. “We love the parade. There’s always something interesting and unique.”

Donkeys are one of the festival’s main attractions. Crowds watched a donkey herd race Saturday morning.

“These donkeys represent the donkeys that were used in the mines 100 years ago,” said Bill Loop, who helps maintain the animals. “They are part of the city.”

Organizers raise donations to help take care of wild donkeys throughout the year.

“We house them for four months in the winter,” Loop said. “We keep them off of the icy streets and put them on a diet. The money we make goes to support the donkeys.”

Families have made the festival an annual visit.

“Five years ago, when we moved here, we came. We liked it so much, we’ve come back every year,” Taylor said.

The two-day event is free to the public and wraps up at 5 p.m. Sunday.