Donkey Creek Festival
JORDAN OSTLUND
We had never before been to the Donkey Creek Festival and after attending this year, I would venture to say we'll never miss it again!
In August, 2006, Gillette College began an annual summer tradition when they hosted the first Donkey Creek Jazz Concert. Held on the College lawn near the banks of Donkey Creek, that first concert included only one band and an audience of about 50 people. By 2010 that single concert had grown into a three
day festival featuring music, food vendors, artist booths, and other activities that are enjoyed by thousands over the weekend...all at no charge.
The 2011 Donkey Creek Jazz Festival continued the tradition. The audience enjoyed a wide variety of musical genres with jazz from the big band era, New Orleans jazz, avant garde jazz, and New York jazz as well as some blues, reggae, and much much more. This years festival featured 13 different musicians! Some were full bands, some just single vocalists, but they were ALL excellent!
As it has in the past, the festival continued to expand this year. There was a reception for the Avenues of Art, an outdoor movie, a 5k walk/run, pancake feed, classic car show, beer garden, wine tasting, motorcycle show, art exhibits, and food vendors. Not to mention friendly faces and conversation everywhere you look!
Both the City of Gillette and Gillette College are committed to keeping the Donkey Creek Festival an event the family can enjoy at no cost. Grants from the Campbell County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Campbell County Community Recreation Board are helping make that possible this year.
We are very impressed with the organization and success of this event over the past 5 years and we are excited to be in attendance as it continues to grow. This is just another example of why we love living in Gillette Wyoming!