The La Grange Pet Parade: Marching Into Its 79th Year of Tails and Traditions

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The La Grange Pet Parade celebrates its 79th anniversary on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
• This beloved event features pets, floats, bands, and more, turning downtown La Grange into a festive spectacle.
• The 2025 theme is “One Sweet Day: 79 Years of Tails and Traditions.”
• Highlights include special grand marshals, exciting performances, contests, and a weekend carnival.
• The parade embodies community spirit, tradition, and celebrates the joy of being together.

What Is the La Grange Pet Parade?

The La Grange Pet Parade is one of the oldest and most beloved community events in La Grange, Illinois. Since its very first march nearly eight decades ago, the parade has become an annual highlight for families, pet lovers, and local organizations. Every year, hundreds of participants—dogs dressed as superheroes, cats in tutus, rabbits, reptiles, floats, and marching bands—turn downtown La Grange into a festival of furry fun.

This parade isn’t only about pets; it’s about families, friendships, and the pure joy of celebrating together. With classic cars, costumed pets, candy showers, jugglers, and innovative floats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Save the Date: When and Where?

Mark your calendars for a morning of excitement!

The 2025 La Grange Pet Parade will make its way through downtown on Saturday, May 31. The fun starts bright and early at 9:30 a.m. and wraps up around 11:30 a.m.—but the memories and community vibes last all year!

The Route

• Start: The parade kicks off at the crossroads of Cossitt Avenue and La Grange Road.
• March: Participants head north along La Grange Road, right through the heart of town, until they reach the bustling railroad tracks.
• Finish: Turning left, the parade ends at the North Campus of Lyons Township High School (source, source).

This Year’s Theme: One Sweet Day

The official theme for 2025 is “One Sweet Day: 79 Years of Tails and Traditions.” This theme celebrates not just our love for pets, but the strong fabric of community and the cheerful stories woven into each year’s event (source).

Spotlight on Grand Marshals: Honoring Local Heroes

Every grand parade needs grand marshals! And for its 79th edition, the La Grange Pet Parade is putting the spotlight on two stars:

• Scott Schneider (Fox 32 Chicago): A familiar and friendly face, Scott is recognized far beyond the news desk for his deep commitment to animal welfare and volunteering at the West Suburban Humane Society.
• Fiona Kennedy: Just in second grade at Forest Road Elementary, Fiona takes on the prestigious role of Junior Grand Marshal, thanks to her winning entry in the much-loved Pet Parade Coloring Contest (source).

These grand marshals truly embody the joy, talent, and community spirit that make the Pet Parade so special.

Parade Highlights: What’s New and What’s Returning in 2025

What makes the La Grange Pet Parade a magnet for thousands of locals and visitors? It’s a whirlwind of sound, color, and paws! Here’s what you can expect this year:

The Parade Lineup

• Floats: From towering, candy-colored displays to cleverly crafted neighborhood entries, the floats are a centerpiece. Awards are given for the most creative and unique!
• Marching Bands: No parade is complete without music—and the La Grange parade boasts some of the most energetic marching bands around.
• Performance Groups: Audiences can look forward to electrifying stunts from the Jesse White Tumblers and crowd-favorite band performances by Evil Burrito (source).
• Businesses and Community Groups: Local businesses, schools, and organizations proudly strut their stuff, decorating floats and joining in the fun.
• Pets, Pets, and More Pets: Expect to see every breed and species imaginable—dogs in tuxedos, cats in prams, lizards, rabbits, ponies, birds, and even the occasional costumed turtle.

Special Contests

Get creative! Every year, the Pet Parade hosts a highly anticipated costume contest with categories to match every participant:

• Individual Youth
• Individual Adult
• Group or Family

Whether you’re decked out as a pirate with your parrot or a family of superheroes with caped pups, there’s recognition—and prizes!—awaiting the most original entries.

Float builders also compete for top honors, with community bragging rights at stake.

Community Activities and Carnival

The La Grange community doesn’t only come out for the parade. The fun continues all weekend with the La Grange Carnival, running from Friday through Sunday. Classic rides, games, and fair food make sure there’s never a dull moment (source).

All along the parade route, families and friends host block parties and cookouts. With music in the air and barbecues sizzling, it feels less like a parade and more like one big neighborhood reunion.

How to Participate in the Parade

Do you want to march in the parade, perform for the crowds, or enter your best float yet? Here’s how you can join the action:

For Performance Groups & Non-Profits

The parade welcomes a lively mix of dance teams, marching bands, cheer squads, and more. If your group wants to join, watch for registration to open on January 1, 2025. The cut-off for entries is May 2, 2025.

Non-profits and community groups receive special pricing and opportunities to shine. If you have a unique act or wish to bring your cause to the forefront, this event is the place to be (source).

For Businesses and Sponsors

Local businesses can highlight their brand and community commitment by sponsoring floats or performance acts. Early application is recommended, as parade slots fill up fast.

All detailed information, including registration links and participant guidelines, can be found at the official Pet Parade site: https://lagrangepetparade.org.

Tips for Parade Day: Anchor Your Spot!

Plan ahead for the perfect parade experience:

• Arrive early: The parade is big, and so are the crowds. The early birds catch the best sidewalk views!
• Choose a shady spot: If May brings heat, seek out tree-lined sections to stay cool and comfy (source). How to Take Care of a Pet for Beginners
• Pack smart: Sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and folding chairs are parade day essentials.
• Ready your candy bag: One of the parade’s highlights is candy flung into the crowds. Kids (and kids at heart) will want to scoop up sweet treats all morning long.
• Mind the pets: If you’re bringing your furry friend, check the weather and pack for their comfort—water, shade, and (of course) their best costume. The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food for Dogs, Cats, and Small Pets

Attendees can expect a vibe that’s all about family, safety, and fun. There’s plenty of room to roam, mingle, and make new friends—human and animal alike!

The Heart of La Grange: Parade as Community Celebration

The La Grange Pet Parade isn’t just a fun outing; it’s a mirror of what makes La Grange so special.

Community comes first:

Each year, the parade draws thousands, with nearly 120 entries expected for 2025, a return to the bustling crowds and jubilant spirit seen before the pandemic (source). Neighborhoods come alive as families line the streets and old friends reconnect.

For the love of pets:

From flamingo feathers to golden retriever tails, pets are at the center of this gathering. But the celebration is about more than animals—it’s about belonging, acceptance, and the idea that everyone, no matter their background (or the size of their leash), has a place to shine.

A living tradition:

With each passing year, the Pet Parade grows in creativity, diversity, and community involvement. Whether you’ve marched since you were little or are attending for the first time, you’re part of a celebration seven decades strong. How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle

Why You Can’t Miss the 2025 La Grange Pet Parade

If you’ve ever felt the energy of a marching band, the thrill of costumed pets, or the bond of a community coming together in sunshine and friendship, then you know why this parade matters.

What to Look For

• Show-Stopper Floats: Expect to see themes from classic cartoons to modern movies, all with a dash of pet-friendly creativity.
• High-Energy Performers: The Jesse White Tumblers always bring the house down, and this year’s band, Evil Burrito, promises to crank up the excitement (source).
• Block Party Atmosphere: Even if you’re just a spectator, you’re part of the show! Wave at floats, catch candy, jam to the music, and meet neighbors.
• Unforgettable Memories: From candid snaps of pets in party hats to group selfies on the curb, the Pet Parade is a photographer’s dream.

Practical Parade Info and Resources

For Participants

Ready to show off your talent, enter your pet, or roll out your creative float?

Visit the official Pet Parade page for all the latest entry forms, regulations, and FAQ: https://lagrangepetparade.org.

Performance group or unique act? Register and learn about sponsorship at La Grange Business Association’s sign-up page.

For Spectators

• Parade maps, event schedules, and tips are updated at Village of La Grange Announcements.
• Browse the latest news and read about past parades at Southwest Regional Publishing.

FAQs: Everything Else You Might Want to Know

Do I need to register to attend?

No registration is needed for spectators! Just show up early to grab your spot.

How do I enter my pet or float?

All participant info, regulations, and entry forms are found on the official La Grange Pet Parade website.

Are there rules for costumes?

Costumes should be safe and comfortable for your pet. Participants are encouraged to showcase their most creative looks!

What if it rains?

The parade rolls rain or shine. Check the parade website and local news for up-to-date announcements.

Can I bring non-dog pets?

Absolutely! The parade is famous for its creative and diverse pet entries. From bunnies to parrots to iguanas, all well-behaved pets are welcome.

March On! The Adventure Awaits

As the calendar flips closer to May 31, excitement for the La Grange Pet Parade reaches a fever pitch. For 79 years, it’s been more than just a pet event—it’s a joyous celebration where every tail gets to wag, every costume gets an ovation, and every neighbor gets a hello.

So polish those paw prints, fluff up the tutus, and start counting down the days. The La Grange Pet Parade is not just an event; it’s a tradition that welcomes everyone—pets, people, and plenty of heart.

For in-depth details, photos, maps, and the latest updates, don’t forget to visit the official website: https://lagrangepetparade.org.

See you—AND your furry, scaly, or feathered friends—on parade day!