Arvada Press: Arvada designates Sept. 23 ‘Hengstler Community Day’ in honor of late BID director

Arvada Press | Rylee Dunn | September 22, 2026

It’s been a year since the passing of former Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District Director Joe Hengstler — known to many as the Mayor of Olde Town — and the community is making sure that his legacy and impact on the historic district are not forgotten. 

Arvada will observe Hengstler Community Day for the first time on Sept. 23, following a proclamation by the Arvada City Council on Sept. 15 to formally recognize the occasion. 

Business leaders also announced the Joe Hengstler Vibrancy Grant, which will honor Hengstler’s hardworking, DIY spirit by helping Olde Town businesses fund art, placemaking, events, music, and other activations that make the historic district a little brighter.  

Joe’s wife Megan Reder-Hengstler said she appreciated the support the local community has shown her family since Joe’s passing.

“I cannot begin to express the amount of gratitude I have for the Olde Town BID and the people of Olde Town who have shown and continue to show our daughter Juniper and myself unwavering support,” Reder-Hengstler said. “Our daughter will forever be able to see her dad's spirit and memory live on through this amazing community that we hold so dear to our hearts.

“Proclaiming September 23rd as Joe Hengstler Day and creating an annual grant is such a meaningful way to honor Joe's legacy,” Reder-Hengstler continued. “Joe embraced music, art, community, and nature and having the community come together to create something unique, funky , and whimsical would bring Joe so much joy. We are excited to see what his legacy inspires to those who are awarded this grant.”

Read the full article from the Arvada Press