(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.) — The famous Cripple Creek Donkeys are preparing to leave their winter home to roam the streets of Cripple Creek, enjoying the “greener pastures” of city lawns and gardens around town. The official Donkey Release will take place on Memorial Day, May 26.

The annual tradition honors the original working donkeys released into the city in the early 1900s after a lifetime of living in deplorable conditions underground in the mines, where many never saw the light of day.

The group that takes care of the donkeys, the Two Mile High Club (TMHC) will hold a ceremony welcoming the donkeys back into the community at 11:30 a.m. on May 26, with the release beginning at C Street and Thurlow in Cripple Creek. As the Donkeys make their way into town, the American Legion Post 171 will make a special presentation on the significance of Memorial Day and honoring those who served.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnic lunches to this free event. The Elks will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs. Approved healthy donkey biscuits will be available at the release for a small donation.

“The Release begins an exciting summer of Donkey-related activities in Cripple Creek,” said Brandon Westhoff, TMHC President. “As a nonprofit all-volunteer organization, The Two Mile High Club relies on these celebratory fundraisers, grants, donations, and sponsorships to provide year-round care for these donkeys… and has done so since 1931. But it’s more than raising funds; it’s about giving back to the community that supports us and the donkeys year-round.”

The 94th annual Donkey Derby Days will take place at the end of June and will feature the United States Air Force band, Wild Blue Country, as well as the Flying W Wranglers, among others.