Pikes Peak or Bust Parade celebrates 83rd year this weekend

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The 83rd annual Pikes Peak or Bust Parade is this weekend, kicking off the start of the rodeo next week.

The parade, which will take place in downtown Colorado Springs on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. and will feature the people competing in the NFR Open at the rodeo next week.

The parade was briefly cancelled last month due to rising costs and fewer sponsorships, according to organizers. Shortly after, the parade was put back on after community support and an influx of funding from companies in Colorado Springs allowed organizers to reinstate the event.

This year's parade entries will fit the theme, "Purple Mountains, Silver Spurs," as well as honoring Colorado's 150th anniversary and America's 250th birthday.

The parade will follow its usual route, along Tejon Street from St. Vrain Street to Vermijo Avenue. Street closures start Saturday at 9 a.m. Before the parade, the intersection of Tejon Street and Pikes Peak Avenue will bring back the "Lil Cowpokes Stick Horse Races" starting at 10 a.m.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo starts July 14 and goes through July 18. Registration and tickets for the parade and stick horse races are available on the parade's website.

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