The La Grange Pet Parade is back Saturday, May 30, marking 80 years of a tradition that began in 1947 as a simple neighborhood costume walk and has grown into one of Chicagoland’s most beloved parades.
The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at Cossitt Avenue and La Grange Road, winding 1.5 miles through downtown and ending at Lyons Township High School North Campus. The public is invited to line the sidewalks or participate with their own costumed pets.
This year’s theme is “Marching Through the Decades,” encouraging participants to showcase their favorite looks from the 1950s through 2020s.
Who’s leading the way?
Granger, the newly unveiled La Grange Pet Parade Mascot, will serve as Grand Marshal. Dan Hampton, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and 1985 Bears champion, will be an Honorary Grand Marshal.
Regina McClinton will receive the Minnie Carr Service Award for her contributions to the community. Alexander Noland, a third grader at Cossitt Elementary, earned the title of Junior Grand Marshal after winning the annual Pet Parade Coloring Contest.
What to expect
Organizers expect more than 125 entries, including floats, costumed pets, school groups, and nonprofit organizations. The parade will be livestreamed on LTTV Online (YouTube) for those unable to attend in person.
The costume contest, organized by the Pet Parade Junior Board, returns with three categories: Individual Youth, Individual Adult, and Group/Family.
Six animal nonprofits are participating free of charge: Hinsdale Humane Society, West Suburban Humane Society, Magnificent Mutts Rescue, K9’s for Veterans, Cat Nap from the Heart, and North Central Newfoundland Club.
Three street announcing stations along the route will provide music and commentary.
About the parade
Founded in 1947 by the La Grange Chamber of Commerce, the Pet Parade was once televised on WGN and is now captured by local high school station LTTV.
Pet Parade Charities, a registered nonprofit, coordinates and funds the event. For more information, visit www.lagrangepetparade.org.
