Around the turn of the twentieth century in Central City, Colorado, when gold was plentiful and female companionship was scarce, miners turned to Madam Lou Bunch’s ladies of the evening for comfort. For the past 48 years, those days have been commemorated in the form of Madam Lou Bunch Day.

The Jimmy Lewis Band rocked Main Street with numbers including a long version of Elvis Presley’s “Little Sister,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou,” and Nat King Cole’s “Route 66.” Theme appropriate songs “Hot Legs” and “Shake Your Money got everyone in the mood.

The Infamous Backroom Cabaret and The Backroom Chorus Girls kept things lively, staging three performances throughout the afternoon. Rocky Mountain Rhythm added tap dancing and Angela Delsanter of Nederland Mountain Movers Community Dance debuted a mesmerizing stilt act. Eric Chin on ukulele entertained with his slightly ribald lyrics and The Mountain-Ear’s own Patrice LeBlanc sang beautifully in a skit by The Belvidere Players.

Undeterred by a steady rain, the ever- popular Bed Races went on as scheduled. The crowd roared as contestants struggled to keep their beds with two riders and a pusher on track. Dostal Alley’s team dominated for the second year in a row to claim top honors and $300.

2022 Madam Lou Bunch Day Results

Bed Races:

1st Place – Dostal Alley (1 minute, 10 seconds)

2nd Place – Madam Violet (1 minute, 46 seconds)

3rd Place – Easy Street Casino (1 minute, 47 seconds)

Youngest Bed Race Team – Dostal Alley (62 years)

Oldest Bed Race Team – Eureka Street Popcorn Shop (157 years)

Worst in Bed – Gilpin County Arts Association

Best Costume – Timberline Fire

Madam:

1st Place – Hattie Galore

2nd Place – Sour Cherry of Central

3rd Place – Madam Violet

Sporting House Girl:

1st Place – Miss Sarah

2nd Place – Kitty Kaleidoscope

3rd Place – Lulu

Dandy Dan:

1st Place – Gentleman Jeremy

2nd Place – Noah

3rd Place – Trev