During my first research trip to Cripple Creek, Colorado, I met a couple of the town’s beloved residents–two donkeys that are a part of a herd of about a dozen that roam the city’s streets. When miners had to leave the area, often their donkeys were let loose. The several donkeys that roam the streets are believed to be descendants of those used to work the mines in the Cripple Creek and Victor gold camps.
Every June Cripple Creek celebrates its rich, historical heritage with Donkey Derby Days. Last summer when my hubby and I set out on a Book Tour Road Trip to celebrate the release of The Bride Wore Blue, Book 3 in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series, we included participation in the annual Donkey Derby Days in our book launch activities.
My participation in the celebration included several book signing events at the Cripple Creek District Museum and The Old Homestead Museum.
The 1890s Parlour featured in The Bride Wore Blue
A parade is part of the Donkey Derby Days festivities, and the Gold Camp Victorian Society invited me to ride their float. So much fun.
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I still need the last two books in this series. Ran out of contest. 🙁
Oh, Maxi, you do need The Bride Wore Blue and Twice a Bride, my favorites as they feature all of the sisters and more. 🙂 Add them to your birthday wish list?
Thanks, Mona, this is so interesting and I’d never heard about it before!
It’s quite the big deal–the biggest annual festival in Cripple Creek, I believe. All sorts of stuff going on.