Pet Parade History
Considered the longest running Pet Parade in the country, the Parade has always been held on the third Saturday in May. Children, adults and pets stroll through downtown as spectators cheer them on.
1932 |
The Pet Parade was first organized in 1932 as a hometown parade to honor the memory of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a Border Collie who had brought fame to the city when he traveled home to Silverton after being lost in Indiana. With the Great Depression in full swing, the goal of the parade was to bring inexpensive joy to the town’s children.
The first Grand Marshal was Bobbie’s son Pal. The first Grand Prize for “best entry” was awarded in 1932 to Miss Vades Dickerson, 5, granddaughter of Bobbie’s master. The American Legion organized the Pet Parade until passing it along to the Kiwanis Club of Silverton in xxxx. |
Date TBD |
The Kiwanis Club of Silverton took over organization of the Pet Parade because they found it a perfect fit for their mission of “serving the children of the world.”
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2006 |
In 2006, a mural was created to celebrate Silverton’s Annual Pet Parade, which brings kids, adults, and all kinds of animals out to the street. The shrubs around the mural add a special touch as they are shaped like animals! The mural can be viewed at North 1st Street in Silverton.
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