LaGrange Pet Parade Turns 68, Steps Off this Saturday

The 68th LaGrange Pet Parade -- billed as America’s original pet parade -- high kicks through the village this Saturday, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

The parade has its own folklore, recalled in a local history article for Patch by long-time resident Laureen Dunne, that started out in 1946 as a promenade featuring a dozen or so dogs and children parading around the village.

Read, "The Stars of the LaGrange Pet Parade"

Dunne recalled such star-studded parades of the past that TV stars and professional athletes of the day, and even the daughter of the president of the United States, 16-year-old Lucy Baines Johnson, daughter of LBJ, in 1964.

Expect prancing poodles in tutus, chickens in wagons, marching bands, floats, clowns and children proudly showing off their animal friends on Saturday.

Serving as the official 2014 junior grand marshal is Calla Montana, a third-grader from LaGrange Highlands Elementary School. Calla came up with the winning theme, “The Pet Parade is 68! Let’s Go Out and Celebrate.”

You can catch Calla on Saturday riding in her own V.I.P. parade convertible.

Visit the LaGrange Pet Parade website for complete details.

Pick out your “seat” by downloading a map of the parade route.