The Annual Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast takes over downtown Colorado Springs

People lined the streets of Downtown Colorado Springs Wednesday morning for the annual Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast.

This event is one of the Springs’ most iconic celebrations of its deep-rooted western heritage. The annual breakfast has been a Colorado Springs staple since 1963.

Wendy Auck who has lived here since 1963 says it’s an event you can expect every single year.

“There has been a lot of changes in Colorado Springs like I have said we have been here since the 60’s but this is something that happens all the time, it’s one of our annual events and it stays the same,” Auck said.

It’s the kickoff event to the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, and all proceeds from the breakfast and rodeo go to our local military and their families. Col. Geoff Kent says there is nothing quite like Colorado Springs.

“They call it the best hometown in the army because we certainly feel the support and love from the folks that live here,” said Col. Kent.

The annual event takes a lot of preparation. Sgt. Artrice Scott said they left the post at midnight this morning as 52 active members of the military volunteered their time to help prepare up to 10,000 meals. She says this event is a great morale boost for the soldiers.

“It builds a bonding between the soldiers and the NCOs and I mean, it builds us up,” said Sgt. Scott.

The event wouldn’t be complete without the Pikes Peak Range Riders, as 200 horses marched down the streets of Colorado Springs. Brett Axton, organizer of the today’s event and range rider says the ride this morning is just the beginning for them.

“200 men are going to be leaving town at 8 o’clock, so we will go East to West towards pikes peak for all you flatlanders, then we will ride down to Norris Penrose, trailer up then our main ride will be at Music Meadows.”