July 4th Pet Parade is back; features new route

June 24, 2022

Independence Day in Bend will once again include the beloved pet parade. In partnership between Bend Park and Recreation District and the City of Bend, the July 4th Pet Parade is a community tradition since 1924, and also designated as an Oregon Heritage tradition. The parade was canceled in 1943 due to World War II and in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. This year, lineup for the parade begins at 9 a.m. and the parade begins at 10 a.m.

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 new parade route.

New 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. It’s the same parade route used for the Christmas Parade, Veterans Parade and others.

“Bringing the pet parade back as part of the holiday is welcomed by community members and park district staff,” said Julie Brown, communication and community relations manager, BPRD. “We encourage all parade goers to review the new route that we anticipate will accommodate the size of the event from recent years and make for a great event.”

Returning for this year’s parade are traditional entries of the Pioneer Queen, a 1929 Pershing fire truck and Boy Scout Troop #25 as flag bearers. One of the largest parades in Central Oregon, it is anticipated that more than 8,000 people participate and watch the parade.

PARADE DETAILS & 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.
• Large animals need to arrive early; trailer parking on Riverside Blvd.
• Equestrians, please wear helmets.
• No solicitation, commercial floats, motorized vehicles, motorcycles or distribution of anything, including candy.
• Best parking: Outer perimeter of downtown and in parking garage.
• ADA parking available at Highland at Kenwood School on Newport Ave., in downtown parking garage and in City of Bend parking lot on Franklin Ave.

Volunteers are needed to help as monitors on the parade route, assist in the start & finish areas and more. Information and volunteer sign up available at www.bendparksandrec.org/activities/4th-of-july/.

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

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