The theme for the 79th edition of the La Grange Pet Parade Saturday was “One Sweet Day,” and it certainly was for the thousands that packed downtown La Grange to watch and enjoy the 120 entrants under sunny skies and temperatures that were just right.
“We’ve had more people register in the pets and owner costume contest than we’ve had in the last many years,” said Erin McPartlin, Pet Parade board chairperson. “So we are just flooded with all these dogs and their trainers and their costumes. It is quite incredible here.”
The parade began in 1947 as a project of the La Grange Chamber of Commerce, whose president, Ed Breen, owner of Breen’s Cleaners, had the idea to create an event that would feature the village’s children and family pets. The parade grew over the years to include entrees from local businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
This year’s parade was televised by WGN-TV. Since the 1990s, the parade has been televised over local cable access on LTTV, the Lyons Township High School television station.
Ed Breen’s son Bob is chairman emeritus of the Pet Parade. He has attended every parade from the beginning, but this one would be his last, he said.
“One more year,” he said before the event, pointing out that his grandfather founded Breen’s Cleaners in 1920.
“I feel great,” he said. “The weather’s great and I think everything will be great. Last year it rained and there were still people here … and they didn’t leave right away.”
Unlike last year, when a few entrants dropped out because of the weather, this year every entrant showed up.
“We usually have about 120 group entrants and we have that again this year,” said Molly Price, executive director of the parade. “For the second year we have moved the costume contest in front of Village Hall. We have high school volunteers doing the judging and then they walk with the people in the parade.”
The parade was led by the Color Honor Guard from American Legion Coulter Post 1941, followed by the Great Lakes Navy Band playing “Anchors Away.”
A contingent of antique Model A vehicles led the way for a procession of different area government entities.
Fox 32 Chicago News anchor Scott Schneider did double duty, interviewing people before the parade and serving as grand marshall, riding in a Rolls Royce through the downtown area.
Fiona Kennedy was the Junior Grand Marshal, an honor bestowed on her after winning a coloring contest sponsored by the La Grange Art League.
St. Francis Xavier School student Monica Derus won first place in the children’s costume division, with a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” themed out fit and her guinea pig named Piggy Stardust.
“He’s just a really sweet animal and he’s such a treat to be with. We decided to do Willy Wonka,” she said. “This is my second year doing this and we got him two years ago.”
Area police departments and fire departments were followed by La Grange and La Grange Park village officials, including the La Grange Park District, and the La Grange and La Grange Park public libraries.
Also marching were government officials from nearby municipalities like Countryside, Hodgkins, and the Township of Lyons.
The business community was well-represented by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the La Grange Business Association, and various restaurants and other businesses.
Area schools were represented by marching bands, including Lyons Township High School, Nazareth Academy, School District 105 and Park Junior High.
And as usual, the World Famous Arcola Lawn Rangers wielded their lawn mowers in precision with brooms attached signifying the Arcola’s claim to being the broom corn capital of the world.
After the parade, Molly Price said the event turned out as well.
“Since we had the rain last year, it was just amazing to have the sunshine, and the crowds had an amazing energy,” she said. “We got a few more costume contest people and it’s good that it’s growing and growing again. It’s important for us to remember the original basis of the parade, which was dressing up with your pets.”
Price also stressed the importance of the volunteers.
“Many of them come year after year,” she said. “It makes the parade run smoothly. Their commitment is amazing.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
