56th annual Western Street Breakfast kicks off Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
Thousands packed downtown Colorado Springs for the 56th annual Western Street Breakfast.
From 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m Wednesday, people lined up for the traditional breakfast served up by Fort Carson soldiers.
“We’re here to support the military of course. Our grandson is in the Navy and it’s just a fun thing for families to do,” said Sharon Lucy.
The soldiers whipped up more than 1,000 pounds of pancake batter, 1,800 pounds of eggs and 80 gallons of syrup.
“My husband serves, so anything that supports the military is up my alley,” said Trish Russ.
Proceeds from the $5 breakfast benefit the military and their families.
“Some of these families need a hand up and to get back on track and that’s what today is really about. It’s a mutual partnership in giving back to one another,” said COL Joel Hamilton, US Army Garrison-Fort Carson.
It’s not only about the breakfast, it’s also the official kick off to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. The Pikes Peak Range Riders help continue tradition.
“The whole town has grown. When I first moved here Academy Blvd. was pretty much a dirt road,” said David Beemer.
Now, the large event spans generations.
“It is such an honor because even as a little girl I watched the Girls of the West. It’s so special to be apart of that and preserve tradition,” said Allison Mitchell, Girl of the West.
The event also bonds the community with a western spirit in mind.
“I grew up coming to this. Western heritage is an awesome community type of heritage and really is what our community is based on,” said Quillan Edwards, El Paso County fair queen.
The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is July 13 through the 16. For more information click here.
