Boom Days, Leadville, Colorado 2008

I bet almost every town has their yearly celebration of who they are.
Leadville is no exception. We got into town during Boom Days.

August 2

We went downtown and witnessed the slow motorcycle race.
How slow and accurate on the center line.

Now this was a new contest to us.
You have your girlfriend on the back of your motorcycle and you ride up to this noose holder type thing which holds a mustard covered hot dog. After much adjusting, custom fit for each biter, the driver of the bike rides under the noose holder like thing and your honey who is on the back but not holding on to you, attempts to take a bite. There might have been more contests but that was enough for us for one night.

August 2: Parade

Best seat in the house.

Celebrating the 10th Mountain Division. Learn more here.
They used real mountain snow.

August 3rd: Burro Races

The ATV's are lined up ready to volunteer.

The route. It takes over 3 hours to RUN the route with your burro.

The men gather.

Number 6 is ready to go.

How can you not love this face?

After the men and women left there was a celebrity race. Pretty much anyone who wanted to try could race a burro down and back a block. The little burro did the best.
Feet are flying - for both man and beast.

Sometimes you need some motivation.

One of many food booths.

Even in the old days the people had to eat, I bet.

The Mosey.
First place winner for couples. I heard she made her dress.

There were a couple different catagories.

This is a nod to the mining days. Drilling into granite. All the rocks of past Boom Days rest here.

It was fun and educational to see the Boom Days. The people of Leadville were very friendly and eager to share info or answer questions. The are and should be proud of their rich heritage.

More to come,
Kim