While ribbon cuttings are often held to celebrate a new business, Arvada Vacuum’s ribbon cutting on July 17 celebrated something else: the store's 50-year anniversary. 

Arvada Vacuum was started in 1973, but was bought by the Barhite family in 1991 and has been owned by them ever since. Originally purchased by Pat and Dave Barhite, the store was then passed down to their children when they retired. Paul, Liz and Dave Jr. now own the store, meaning it was passed from one generation of Barhites to the next. 

“We know what a unique opportunity is to not only be a small business but to be a family-owned small business," Liz said. "And where we actually still like each other."

As kids, the siblings would go with their dad to the vacuum store, Liz added.

 “There are six kids, five of us are still involved in the vacuum business, one retired, but you know, it's a unique thing," Liz said.

Though much of retail has moved online in recent years, the Barhites believe that Arvada Vacuum’s customer service and personal touch help them succeed. 

“I know it may sound silly, but I love talking with customers. Like, we pray with customers, we talk with customers, we laugh with customers, we cry with customers,” Liz said. “It's been cool building those relationships over the years.” 

Arvada’s Chamber of Commerce helped the business celebrate, organizing a ribbon cutting for them on July 17. Several representatives from the Chamber and the City came out to help the Barhite family celebrate 50 years of Arvada Vacuum. 

The family has other celebrations planned, with events on July 21 at their Broomfield location and July 22 at their Arvada location. Each event will have games, prizes, snacks and drinks.