El Paso County, Colorado – Commissioner Dennis Hisey, Chair of the Board of El Paso County Commissioners, joined Kate Watson, 2014 Girl of the West, and her Aide, Rachael Braaten Watson, and City Councilman Keith King on horseback this morning for the traditional Rodeo Token Ceremony on the steps of the historic 1903 El Paso County Courthouse.  The ceremony features the presentation of a supersized replica of the wooden token used to pay for pancakes, eggs, juice and coffee at the annual Downtown Colorado Springs Street Breakfast.

Western Heritage Days are highlighted by a series of western themed events beginning with The Street Breakfast on June 18 and continuing through the El Paso County Fair at the end of July.  Following the Street Breakfast and Range Ride residents and visitors alike are invited to come and enjoy the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade through downtown Colorado Springs, the 74th Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris Penrose Equestrian Center and the El Paso County Fair at the Fairgrounds in Calhan.

The Street Breakfast is 5:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, in downtown Colorado Springs and costs $5. The meal will be prepared by Fort Carson volunteers. All proceeds from the breakfast go to benefit local military charities. The Range Riders will leave from the breakfast on their annual ride to promote the upcoming Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade is 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, on Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo itself runs July 9 to July 12 at Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road.  More information is available at: www.pikespeakorbust.org

Celebration of Western Heritage Days concludes with the 109th annual El Paso County Fair July 19-26 in Calhan.  More information on the County Fair is available at: www.elpasocountyfair.com

Contact: Dave Rose Public Information Officer Phone: 520-6540   Cell: 337-9239  DaveRose@elpasoco.com