The Wheat Ridge Carnation Grand Parade will roll west along 38th Ave from Ames Street to Upham Street on Saturday, August 9th, beginning at 9:30 am.
The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Parade was first held in 1969 to commemorate the year of our city’s founding. The parade honors distinguished residents by selecting a Grand Marshal, Count and Countess, who serve as royalty and ride in the parade.
Nominees for the court are made by the community. The Carnation Festival seeks out those in the community who have made a positive contribution through their active participation or service in the city. The three members chosen for the court may be individuals, or an organization that embody the best of the community and have earned recognition and the royal treatment.
The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival is proud to announce the 2025 Carnation Festival Parade Royalty!
Grand Marshal
Bud Starker, Mayor of Wheat Ridge and Owner of West 29th Restaurant
Countess
Karen Cassel, Owner of RISE Dance Co.
Count
Jerry Casssel, Retired from Wheat Ridge Fire Dept. and West Metro Fire Board
Congratulations to the 2025 Carnation Festival Parade Royalty who will be honored at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 9th at the Main Stage in Anderson Park at 2:00pm. Read more about these community members in the feature in the Neighborhood Gazette.
