Golden’s Buffalo Bills Parade names grand marshals

Colorado Community Media’s own John Tracy and his wife, Jane, will be recognized as grand marshals in the Buffalo Bill Days 2015 Best of the West Parade.

The grand marshals and honored guests of each year’s parade are selected because they are people who give back to the community, said Katherine Leith Porter, president of the Buffalo Bill Days organizing committee.

“They have donated countless hours to the betterment of the community,” said Bob Short, a Golden resident for 27 years and friend of the Tracys. “They’re both deserving of the grand marshals.”

The Tracys are happy to be chosen as grand marshals, John said.

“It’s a nice honor,” he said. “We’re pleased to be nominated.”

John is the recipient of many local recognition awards, including the Golden Living Landmark Award, Golden Rotary’s “Service Above Self” award, the Golden Chamber Chairman’s Award and the Golden Chamber “Charlie O’Brien Award.”

He has held many positions with and Colorado Community Media, including general manager and associate publisher.

Jane has been employed with the West Chamber of Commerce, served on the board and chaired the first four years of the Golden Fine Arts Festival and served 10 years on the Jefferson County Symphony Board.

Jane also previously worked in sales for

Honored guests of the parade are Dan Thoemke, a Golden native and founder of the organization Community Faith in Action, and Donovan Rice, the fourth annual Buffalo Bill Days scholarship recipient and valedictorian of his class at Golden High School.

Other highlights of the parade include clowns, dance groups, local businesses, music and classic cars.

The parade takes place 10-11:30 a.m. July 25. The route starts at 9th Street and Washington Avenue, continues to 13th Street, then heads south to Arapahoe Street where it will head west to 12th Street.