Toni Nelson Named 2026 Renton River Days Grand Marshal
Published on July 16, 2026
The City of Renton is proud to announce Toni Nelson as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Renton River Days Parade. In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Renton River Days, we want to honor the leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering commitment to the community that Toni has loved and served for decades.
For many in Renton, Toni Nelson is more than a former City Councilmember, business owner, or volunteer. She is someone who has spent a lifetime bringing people together. Whether creating traditions, supporting local businesses, mentoring others, or volunteering wherever she was needed, Toni has always believed in being a strong community connector.
For Toni, ideas were never meant to stay ideas. "What do you think?" quickly became, "Let's do this."
SHAPING SOME OF RENTON'S MOST TREASURED TRADITIONS
Before serving 20 years on the Renton City Council, Toni welcomed customers through the doors of the Renton Flower Shop, building friendships one bouquet at a time. She believed downtown should be a place where neighbors gathered, families spent time together, and visitors discovered everything that made Renton special.
That belief inspired one of her proudest accomplishments.
In 2002, Toni was the catalyst behind the Renton Farmers Market and the reason we are celebrating it 25 years later. She wanted the market to be more than a city event. She saw it as a way to rejuvenate downtown, support local businesses, connect residents with local farmers, and create a place where people could feel a sense of belonging. What began as an idea has become one of Renton's most cherished traditions.
Her passion for bringing people together didn’t stop there. Toni was one of the founding members of the Renton River Days Committee. She believed Renton deserved a celebration that reflected its people, history, and community spirit. Today, generations of families line the streets for the parade, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate together because of the dedication and vision of community leaders like Toni.
Toni once imagined South 3rd Street decorated for the holidays. That vision turned into reality by rallying helpers and transforming downtown into a festive destination. The city later recognized the welcoming atmosphere she created, and today the decorative lighting along South 3rd Street continues that warm spirit, fittingly on the same route where the Renton River Days Parade travels each summer.
A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Over the years, she has generously shared her time and leadership with organizations that strengthen families, support students, care for neighbors, and build a stronger community. Her volunteer service has included the Renton Elks, where she was recognized as the Washington State Volunteer of the Year, the Founding Committee for Renton River Days, the Renton Food Bank Board, Renton Youth Services Board, Renton Technical College Board, Renton Downtown Association, Renton Kidney Center Committee, and mentoring students in the Renton School District, among many others.
No matter the role, Toni always showed up for her community. Her connection to Renton stretches back even further than her years of service. Her grandparents settled on Smithers Street in 1905, planting roots that have now spanned more than a century. Toni has proudly carried that family legacy forward, dedicating her life to the community that has given so much to her family.
Her life partner, Russ Haag, and her daughters, Roxanne, Kimberly, and Jacqueline, have always been her greatest source of pride and unwavering support. Through every meeting, community event, volunteer project, and new idea, they have stood beside her, making it possible for Toni to dedicate so much of herself to the city she loves.
CONTINUING A LEGACY FOR GENERATIONS OF RENTON RESIDENTS
Renton River Days celebrates the people who make our community special.
Her legacy isn't measured by a single project or title. It's found on Tuesdays at the Farmers Market, families lining the streets for the River Days Parade, neighbors enjoying downtown during the holidays, and the countless lives she has supported through decades of service.
Toni has spent her life helping people find connection, build community, and feel like they belong, and that is a legacy worth celebrating.
Congratulations, Toni, for being nominated as the 2026 Renton River Days Grand Marshal. Thank you for your leadership, your generosity, your determination, and for helping make Renton a place that generations of people are proud to call home.
Join us and see Toni lead the parade on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Renton River Days! The parade will take place Downtown along South 3rd Street from Shattuck Avenue to Liberty Park.
Full schedule available at rentonwa.gov/RiverDays.