Carnations of various colors adorned booths, rides and volunteers at the 54^th annual Carnation Festival.

The Aug. 11-13 festival at Anderson Park was filled with rides, music, food, games, food competitions, a parade and so much more.

The Carnation Festival was once a celebration of the community’s cash crop — the carnation. According to the Carnation Festival’s website, the festival was also a celebration of the city’s incorporation.

“The city of Wheat Ridge was incorporated and officially became a city on Aug. 15, 1969,” the Carnation Fest site reads. "In honor of the city’s birthday, the area’s agricultural history (the Wheat Ridge High School sports teams are the Farmers) and carnation production, a festival was born.”

As Wheat Ridge grew, the carnation growers disappeared. Nevertheless, the community still celebrates its incorporation with carnations in August.

This year, the celebration featured festival royalty Grand Marshal John Bandimere, Jr, Count Scott Shields and Countess Janace Fischer. According to the website, the festival royalty is selected from the community. They are the members “who had a significant impact on Wheat Ridge.”

The festival parade took place on 38^th Avenue, between Sheridan and Wadsworth in Wheat Ridge. The parade is also an annual part of the Carnation Festival. The festival royalty, local businesses, local government and Wheat Ridge families participate.

The festival is the longest-running in the state. It also includes an annual Colorado Honey Festival. The Honey Fest was just inside the Carnation Fest grounds and was designated by bright yellow and orange signage. The Honey Festival is produced by All Seasons Holiday Market and supports The Bee Cause Project.

Another feature of the Carnation Festival was  Zoppé Family Big-Top Circus. The grand big top is so prominent that it was tough to miss upon entering the Carnation Festival. 

For more information on the history of the Carnation Festival and updates on next year’s festival, visit TheCarnationFestival.com