CREEDE— Hundreds of people showed up for the 125th celebrations in Creede on Saturday, June 10. The morning was bright and cheerful as 42 donkeys and their handlers lined the road behind the Kentucky Belle Market. Bright, clear Colorado blue skies seemed to stretch on forever as visitors wandered Main Street prior to the donkey dash race. Businesses opened their doors and showed their Creede pride by hanging the new 125th anniversary flag above their doors and windows.
The day was off to a great start by the afternoon when the donkey dash contestants began their walk up to the starting line. Basham Park was full of people eager to sign Creede’s enormous birthday card which took center stage at the middle of the park. As the time for the race drew near, visitors lined the street to cheer on participants. “We had such a fun weekend. We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said chamber employee Pam Hahs.
Just after 1 p.m. the donkeys were off on their way up and over the Bachelor Loop just above Creede. While guests waited for the donkeys and their owners to return they had plenty to keep them busy. Creede Repertory Theatre Youth Manager Johamy Morales was stationed outside the main theater busy painting the faces of eager children. Restaurants offered several specials in honor of the celebrations. People took a moment to relax in the summer sun on the lawn of Basham Park while their children played in a bouncy house and other child activities put together by the parks and recreation team.
Later in the afternoon, the beard and mustache competition kicked off on Main Street. Several participants lined up to have their fancy facial hair judged. Some sported long, ZZ Top style beards while others took their time with imaginative old-time mustache designs like handle bar and tweed mustaches. The event was a hoot, as everyone watching or participating laughed the afternoon away with good cheer and friendly competition.
As the afternoon wore down and the anticipation for the return of the first donkey dash participants swept through the crowd, four local residents took the stage in front of the old train depot in the park to host an old-fashioned gunfight. Scott and Steve Lamb as well as MaryKate McTeague and Joann Ricci-Schlough gave the performance of their lives for the attending crowd and received a rumbling applause.
The day wound down after the award ceremony for the donkey dash, presenting first, second and third place honors. As the sun began to set on the celebrations, the park filled with live music provided by Halden Woffard & the Hi-Beams. Children and guests of all ages were given sparklers to participate in the sparkler parade.
Creede is known for many things, having withstood the test of time throughout the years and remains steadfast against the continuing change and unpredictable future and knowing how to throw a birthday party is now at the top of their list. Happy birthday, Creede! Here’s to 125 more!