July 4th Pet Parade and Old-Fashioned Festival canceled for 2021
May 24, 2021
The Bend Park and Recreation District has canceled the July 4th Pet Parade and Old-Fashioned Festival in Drake Park for 2021.
While the public health situation is improving, district leaders concluded it is not feasible to provide a safe and enjoyable community event of this size. In recent years, the pet parade and festival have been attended by 6,000-8,000 participants and spectators and managing a large event in early July would pose challenges.
“Community health and safety are our top concerns as we do our part to evaluate activities that have been put on hold during the pandemic,” said Don Horton, executive director. “Our staff resources are focused on providing higher priority services to residents and those needs in parks, trails and recreation facilities need to come first this summer.”
The Pet Parade is an Oregon Heritage Event dating back to 1932. Before the current pandemic’s back-to-back cancellations, the only other year the parade did not take place was 1943, during World War II.
“We look forward to resuming these annual traditions in 2022,” added Horton. “For this year, we ask for understanding with the cancellation.”
For community members seeking July 4th celebration activities, family swim will be offered at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, roller skating will occur at the Pavilion, and the parks and trails will be open and ready for families and individuals to enjoy as part of the holiday.