CENTRAL CITY - Central City celebrated its most infamous local figure Saturday with the 51st annual Madam Lou Bunch Day, a lively tribute that took over Main Street from noon to 10 p.m. and drew hundreds to the historic mountain town.

The free event honored Louisa “Lou” Bunch, a Gold Rush-era madam known as much for her success in business as for her compassion during a tuberculosis outbreak in the late 1800s.

According to local lore, Bunch converted her brothel into a makeshift hospital and personally cared for the sick, earning a place in the town’s history that continues to inspire.

Festival vendors’ tents lined the contemporary streets, offering handmade goods, books, and themed merchandise.

Among the vendors was author Jen Black of Jen’s Stories, who showcased her paranormal novels and custom creations. Black offered $1 raffle tickets to win a vintage-looking purple beaded hat she crafted specifically for the event last year.

The winner of the hat was a festivalgoer named Serenity, whose prize was accepted on her behalf. Black said she would make the raffle a yearly tradition, each year raffling off the hat she wore to the previous year’s festival. 

Victoria Pietsch, owner of Amore Magnet, sold costume accessories, boas, and nostalgic toys. She also transforms smartphone photos into customized magnets. 

Food and drink vendors added to the lively atmosphere. Century Casino’s Mid City Grill served $8 cherry limeade and margarita cocktails, nachos, tamales smothered in green chili, and corn-in-a-cup (esquites). 

MC² Ice Cream drew lines for its flight of six gourmet flavors, scoops, and floats… including exotic flavors like Maple Whiskey and Blood Orange IPA. 

JKQ BBQ dished out smoked brisket sandwiches, turkey legs, coleslaw, and loaded fries topped with pulled pork and crema. These savory embellished fries sold out before the end of the day.

A parade beginning at the north end of Main Street bustled through the crowd, showcasing the bed race teams. 

The day’s main attraction was the Famous Bed Races, held at 3 p.m. Sponsored by local businesses, participants, often wearing corsets, bonnets, boots, and suspenders, barreled down Main Street in a wheeled bed, with two riders onboard and a third team member pushing toward the finish line. 

Adding to the fun, the bed was somewhat troublesome to steer, often crashing into the barricades holding back the crowds lining the street. Once they reached the middle of of the course, the players switched duties. 

This year’s top prize of $500 went to Dostal Alley for the fourth consecutive year, with a recorded time of 56 seconds. The Famous Bonanza Casino took second, followed by Rick’s Cabaret in third, edging out Hidee Gold Mine by a matter of seconds in one of the closest races of the day. 

Central City Opera won Best Bed Team Costumes for their theatrical entry, “Race Upon a Mattress,” a nod to their summer opera season.

Eureka Street Popcorn earned “Worst in Bed” with a sluggish 1:42, including penalty points. “Oldest in Bed” went to Rick’s Cabaret for the team’s combined age. 

Live music throughout the day was provided by the Jimmy Lewis Tribute Band featuring Robby Wicks. Children lined up at the face painting station for a chance to become cats, fairies, and other characters as they roamed the street festival.

 Live performances were provided by the Wild Bunch and the Infamous Backroom Cabaret, leading up to the Madams’ and Miners’ Ball in the evening. 

The ball, hosted at Monte Lobo (formerly the Doc Holliday bar), included dancing, tacos, cocktails, and another appearance from the Backroom Cabaret.

Monte Lobo, owned by Steve Boulter, opened that very day. Instead of casino games, the establishment offers modern arcade games, giving those under the age of 21 something to do in the gambling town of Central. Rumor is that street tacos will be offered daily during lunchtime. 

Volunteer recognition followed the races, with Susan Sepanik named “Cabaret Girl of the Year.” Sepanik, in her fifth year, was joined by her daughter, Faeryn, dancing for the first time. 

Doug Huffman was awarded Dandy Dan of the Year, and Kara Tinucci was honored as Madam of the Year for over a decade of service. Serenity was awarded Sporting House Girl of the Year.

The event is sponsored by Main Street Central City and was inspired by a 1970s Western, “The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox,” which featured a bed race filmed in town. Residents decided to bring the idea to life in tribute to Bunch, and the tradition has grown ever since.

Visitors attending Madam Lou Bunch Day also had the opportunity to explore Central City’s many historical and cultural attractions, including tours of the Teller House, the Central City Opera House, local museums, galleries, casinos, and restaurants.

More information on Madam Lou Bunch Day and other summer events is available through the Central City Visitor’s Center at 103 Eureka Street, or by calling 303-582-3345.