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2008 Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival parade marshal

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Contributed by: Tom Meiers on 8/11/2008

The Grand Marshal of the Carnation Festival parade is someone who doesn't live in Wheat Ridge but who has made a substantial contribution to the community. Each year there is substantial discussion by the festival committee as to who the Grand Marshal should be. This year, after a couple of meetings with names being brought forth without any consensus, someone said, "What about Vi?". At that point a couple of dozen surprised faces turned to Viola Harris, sitting hear the head of the table, where she has been for three decades.

Harris was working for the Bank of Applewood when the bank decided to have a float in the Carnation Festival Parade. The next year she found herself on the parade committee. She helped with the advertising, did the books for the spaghetti supper and for the last 17 years has been the Carnation Festival's Treasurer. Born in Leadville, Colorado, of Swedish heritage, Harris moved to Golden in 1971 and started working for the bank in 1977 when she got involved with the Festival. She has been an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church for 35 years and sings in the choir. Viola has six children, fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. When she told her family that she had been named the 2008 Grand Marshal they said, "it's about time, Mom". Harris said, "It's quite an honor. I love the Carnation Festival and Parade. I really enjoy working with all of the people on the festival committee. I am impressed by how many people give lots and lots, working free for the festival".

Harris lives virtually across from Wheat Ridge in North Lakewood and has contributed much to the Carnation Festival and to the community. Sometimes the best choices are right under your nose.

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Submitted By: Karen Groves

posted on 8/13/2008 @ 3:14:22 PM

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Way to go Viola

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Tom Meiers

Wheat Ridge , CO

Tom Meiers has posted 43 stories and 31 comments since joining on 4/16/2007. Tom Meiers 's average story rating is 5.

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