WHEAT RIDGE OPTIMIST CLUB

By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in Youth, our Communities, and Ourselves.

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival 2025 – What to Expect

Get ready for a weekend of fun, flavor, and fireworks! The 56th Annual Carnation Festival returns to Anderson Park in Wheat Ridge from August 8–10, 2025 (Friday–Sunday). Here's a snapshot of what’s in store:

Entertainment Highlights

  • Live Music: 15 bands across three days featuring country, rock, and nostalgic favorites.

  • Fireworks: Spectacular displays on both Friday and Saturday nights at 9:15 PM.

Family Fun

  • Carnival: Unlimited ride wristbands available for purchase.

  • Parade: A colorful procession celebrating community spirit.

  • Fine Art Show: Juried exhibition showcasing local talent—free to the public.

  • Vendor Fair: A bustling midway filled with new and returning vendors.

Food & Festivities

  • Spaghetti Dinner

  • Pie Contest

  • Chili Cook-Off

  • Pancake Breakfast

Special Features

  • Car Show: “Big Wheels on the Farm” benefit event now accepting entries.

  • Free Shuttle Service: Along 44th Avenue from designated parking areas.

📍 Location: Anderson Park, 44th Ave & Field St, Wheat Ridge, CO

🚌 Admission: Free, with shuttle service and most events open to the public

How We Make A Difference…

The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club is one of over 2500 Optimist clubs world-wide that make up Optimist International.  The first Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, NY in 1911 – dedicated to serving youth in the local community.  This is the foundation of Optimist International – local clubs serving their local community.  The Wheat Ridge club was formed in 1957 by a group of businessmen that included Carl Cerveny-owner of the Scotsman Diner.  Carl remained an active member of the Wheat Ridge club until his passing in 2021.  But his spirit of service to the local community lives on through the club and its members.  For more information about who we are and what we do today, please explore this webpage and contact us if you are interested in becoming a member or would like more information.

The Optimist Creed is the guidepost by which clubs, members and those they serve strive to live by and is a cornerstone of Optimist clubs everywhere.

Every Optimist meeting concludes with the reciting of the Creed.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

To be SO STRONG that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance AT ALL TIMES and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have NO TIME to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.