Crisp mornings and slowly changing leaves are beginning to display the arrival of fall in Colorado. There’s no better way to top off your “leaf peeping drive” in the mountains than with a free Fall Festival featuring live music, professional wood carving displays, demonstrations, and sculptures for sale; a wide variety of vendors, food trucks, and attractions await. All events will be held on Bennett Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street and at the District Museum at the top of Bennett Avenue and 5 th starting at 10:00 a.m. each day.
On Saturday, sign the kids up for a pumpkin carving contest on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, on Saturday, October 7 th , ride the Gold Camp Victorian Society’s Historical Trolley Tour and hear the history of Cripple Creek come alive during six 45-minute tours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This historical tour is free, with a donation of $10 suggested. Tickets will be available at the Train Car in the District Museum parking lot. If pie baking is your love, enter the baking contest on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The top three winners will receive prizes! Enter in advance or on the day of. For more information on the pie contest, contact Treasurer@tmhc-ccd.org.
The entire weekend will afford you the chance to shop at a variety of vendors. Entice your taste buds with hot beverages featuring delicious fall adult spirits as you make your way to various food trucks. And meet the Cripple Creek Donkeys in person! The Two Mile High Club, caretakers of the Cripple Creek Donkeys since 1931, and the City of Cripple Creek invite you to “Fall Fest” on October 7-8. While here, commemorate the occasion with a keepsake photo at the custom-made fall photo booth!
“We’re looking forward to this final salute to summer after what many say was one of the best Donkey Derby Day summer celebrations in history,” said Brandon Westhoff, president of the Two Mile High Club. “Now it’s time to celebrate the new season and all it has to offer.”
Highway 67 from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek and over to Victor provides one of the most beautiful fall drives in the region. While you’re in the area enjoying the Fall Fest, head over to Victor and meet Rita the Troll. Stroll through the Fall Festival on Bennett Avenue and enjoy live music at the District Museum from noon – to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, featuring several local favorite bands, “The Locals” and “The Bushcocks,” “The Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band” and more.
“We care for our donkeys every day of the year and appreciate the community support. In addition to enjoying our fall festival, we encourage attendees to visit all the local coffee and gift shops throughout the city. There’s a lot to do in this area, “ said Wendy Wood, Vice President of the Two Mile High Club, “and we can always use more help taking care of these town mascots. If you want to join us, please log on to our website and volunteer! www.cripplecreekdonkeys.com. More information on the Fall Fest is available on the Cripple Creek Donkeys website and Facebook pages.
