Ed Tomlinson aims to transform Arvada Harvest Festival Parade into engaging community event

Arvada's upcoming Harvest Festival Parade is set to embrace a new vision of community engagement, thanks to the leadership of Ed Tomlinson, the 2025 chair of the event. During the Arvada City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, Tomlinson highlighted his commitment to transforming the parade into a more interactive experience for residents and visitors alike.

Tomlinson, who has a rich history with the parade dating back to the 1970s, aims to shift the focus from sheer size and prestige to fostering connections within the community. Under his guidance, the parade has grown significantly, once becoming the largest community parade in Colorado, featuring thousands of participants and spectators. This year, however, Tomlinson is prioritizing engagement, encouraging spectators to become active participants in the festivities.

To realize this vision, Tomlinson is calling for volunteers to help scout innovative parade ideas from across Colorado. He emphasized that even an hour of assistance could make a significant difference in enhancing the parade's appeal. Interested individuals can reach out to him directly via email.

The council expressed support for Tomlinson's initiative, recognizing the importance of community events in reflecting the spirit of Arvada. As the parade approaches, residents can look forward to a celebration that not only showcases the city's pride but also invites everyone to join in the fun.