Kick off the July 4th holiday with the pet parade

June 28, 2024

Community members are invited to start the Independence Day holiday with the annual tradition of the pet parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Lineup for the parade starts at 9 a.m. at Harmon Park.

Bend Park and Recreation District’s July 4th Pet Parade is a community tradition since 1924, and is also designated as an Oregon Heritage tradition. This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the first pet parade; however, it’s the 97^th occurrence due to three missed years, due to WWII and COVID.

Parade participants are encouraged to arrive in costume with a pet or stuffed animal and on pulled wagons, bikes or trikes. Parade spectators are also welcome to watch all the action on the parade route.

One of the largest parades in Central Oregon, it is anticipated that more than 8,000 people participate and watch the parade.

“The pet parade is a favorite tradition and nearly equal numbers of spectators as participants in the parade,” said Julie Brown, BPRD community engagement director. “The weather forecast looks warm, so we encourage everyone to plan ahead for their health and safety as well as pets.”

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed to help as monitors on the parade route and to assist in the parade start and finish areas.

Information and volunteer sign up available on the website.

Parade route

Parade staging is set for Harmon Park and the route will head north on Harmon Boulevard to Newport Avenue, east on Newport to Wall Street and onto the finish at Drake Park.

The morning parade will conclude before the warmest part of July 4^th; however, the following tips are intended for all parade participants on two legs or four legs.

Beat the Heat tips:

• Drink before you feel thirsty. Being thirsty is a sign you are already behind on fluid replacement.
• Wear breathable fabric and a hat; apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• Water for dogs is located on the lawns at Harmon and Drake parks on the parade route. Look for the tall orange bicycle flags. Bring a water bottle for you and your pet as well.
• Temperature of pavement and asphalt can increase faster than air temperature, so be aware of paws and seek cooler surfaces if needed.
• Watch your pet for signs of overheating. Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; increased pulse/ heartbeat; barking, whining or signs of agitation; dark-colored gums or tongue; glassy eyes; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.
• Do not leave pets in your car after the parade, not even for a few minutes.

Returning for this year’s parade are traditional entries of a 1929 Pershing fire truck and Scout Troop #25 as flag bearers.

Parade details and parking:

• All ages welcome.
• No registration necessary.
• Leash up and clean up after pets.
• No rabbits, cats or aggressive animals. Do not give away or sell animals.
• No e-bikes, motorized vehicles, motorcycles, solicitation, commercial floats or distribution of anything, including candy.
• Large animals need to arrive early; trailer parking on Riverside Blvd.
• Equestrians, please wear helmets.
• Best parking: Outer perimeter of downtown and in parking garage.
• ADA parking available in downtown parking garage, Newport Avenue Church of Christ and in City of Bend parking lot on Franklin Ave.
• ADA viewing area west of Franklin & Wall St. intersection and south of Harmon Blvd and Newport Ave.

Parade sponsors include The Bulletin, Combined Communications Stations: 99.7 The Bull, 101.7 and Gold 107.7, and The Source Weekly.

For more information, call BPRD Customer Service at (541) 389-7275.