Birthday Party at the La Grange Area Historical Society

A beloved La Grange tradition is turning 80 years old, and the community is invited to celebrate.

The La Grange Pet Parade, one of the most cherished community events in the western suburbs, will mark this milestone with a special Birthday Party Open House at the La Grange Area Historical Society on Wednesday, March 11 from 6:00–8:00 PM.

The celebration will take place at 444 S. La Grange Road, where residents, parade supporters, and animal lovers can gather to toast this historic community tradition.

What to Expect at the Celebration

This open-house style event is designed to be both festive and nostalgic. Guests can stop by anytime between 6 and 8 PM to enjoy:

• 🎂 Free birthday cake and bubbly libations

• 📸 A fun photo opportunity with vintage Pet Parade trophies

• 🏛 A chance to explore Pet Parade memorabilia at the Historical Society

• 🐾 Stories and memories from one of La Grange’s most beloved traditions

Admission is free, and organizers encourage attendees to RSVP by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or emailing molly@lagrangepetparade.org.

Whether you’ve marched in the parade, watched from the sidewalks, or simply love community traditions, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the legacy of the event.

A Tradition That Started in 1947

The La Grange Pet Parade first began in 1947, when the La Grange Chamber of Commerce created a simple community event where children could parade down the street with their pets and costumes. The idea was to bring neighbors together for a fun and family-friendly celebration.

Over the decades, the parade grew into one of the community’s most beloved traditions. Today it includes schools, community groups, local businesses, marching bands, and of course plenty of pets, all marching through downtown La Grange while thousands of spectators line the streets.

For many families, the parade marks the unofficial start of summer in La Grange, bringing together generations of residents who return year after year to participate or cheer on the colorful procession.

Throughout its history, the parade has even attracted national attention. In the mid-20th century it was televised by WGN, and celebrity grand marshals have included television stars, public figures, and community heroes.

Looking Ahead to the 80th Parade

The birthday celebration is just the beginning of the festivities. The 80th annual La Grange Pet Parade will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, continuing a tradition that has brought together generations of families, pets, and neighbors for nearly eight decades.

From dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, and even more unusual companions, the parade showcases the joyful bond between people and their pets while highlighting the community spirit that makes La Grange so special.

Join the Celebration

Before the parade steps off this spring, the community is invited to raise a glass and celebrate 80 years of wagging tails, creative costumes, and hometown pride.

📍 La Grange Area Historical Society
444 S. La Grange Rd, La Grange

📅 Wednesday, March 11
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM

Bring your memories, your stories, and your love of this wonderful tradition as La Grange celebrates 80 years of the Pet Parade.