Take out those cowboy boots and get ready to saddle up! The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is July 11 – 14, with the 72nd annual parade kicking things off in style at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Bring the family to Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs to watch the parade, which runs from St. Vrain Street to Vermijo Avenue, ending about 8 p.m.

Awards will be given for the best float, theme interpretation, performance riding group and more.

The Grand Marshal will be Fort Carson Maj. Gen. Joseph Anderson and the parade will include floats, riders, bands and clowns. All proceeds from the parade fund scholarships for families of fallen or wounded soldiers and go to local military charities.

The festive event also is a chance to enjoy the downtown area.

“From our end, it is just the parade,” said Nikki Wall, public relations director for the rodeo. “However, the downtown businesses will be open, and in years past it seems those with outdoor seating areas fill up so folks can grab a bite, have a drink and watch the parade.”

Around 7,500 are expected to show up, according to Wall, so to get a prime viewing spot, be prepared to arrive as early as 5 p.m.

“If you want a good outdoor patio spot, I would say the earlier the better, and the sidewalk space will fill up quickly as well,” Wall said.

Afterwards, head over to Cowboys nightclub at 25 North Tejon St., which is holding the first ever Downtown Street Dance on the road outside. The dance, 9 to 11 p.m., will feature family-friendly live music from Southern Rock band Chute Nine. So if you like to show off your dance moves, be sure to stick around after the parade.

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Contact Lauren Fellers: 636-0198.