COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.-Thousands of Soldiers, Airmen, Family members and folks from the surrounding communities pulled up a bale of hay and chowed down at the 49th Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Street Breakfast June 24.
According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Talley, 43rd Sustainment Brigade and who coordinated the military aspect of the breakfast, Fort Carson Soldiers cooked up 1,000 pounds pancakes and 1,500 pounds of eggs, and served 500 gallons of coffee for those who turned out. Juice and milk were also available.
The breakfast started promptly at 5:30 a.m., but the Soldiers had been there since 2 a.m. getting ready. There were three serving stations: one on Tejon Street north of Pikes Peak Avenue and two on Pikes Peak Avenue flanking Tejon Street.
The 43rd SB oversaw the entire operation, but other units manned stations as well. Fort Carson's newest unit - 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division - manned the western Pikes Peak Avenue station.
Chute Nine, a local band, entertained the crowd with a combination of country and rock-and-roll music. The toe-tapping music had members of the audience dancing in the streets.
By 7 a.m., it was announced that more than 1,000 breakfasts had been served. By 7:30 a.m., about another 2,000 people joined in. When the breakfast closed down at 9 a.m., the total was approximately 7,000.
As is the tradition, at 8 a.m. the Range Riders started their horseback ride over to the Norris-Penrose Events Center, where the rodeo will be held starting Wednesday. The Range Riders - a total of 165 men this year - were joined by local military leaders, the Girl of the West and her aide, the Rangerettes and others, which brought the total to 205. Fort Carson's Mounted Color Guard led the procession.
The Street Breakfast was first held in 1950 and is a lead-in for the rodeo. The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, which will be held Wednesday-July 11, raises money for military charities and is split between the local military installations. Last year, the PPBR Foundation donated $7,101.10 to Fort Carson as the Mountain Post's share.
There will be a parade in downtown Colorado Springs 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fort Carson Night is Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased on http://www.ticketwest.com, at the customer service desks at local King Soopers grocery stores or the Citadel Mall, or by calling 576-2626. Tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Social Sharing