Bend’s 4th of July pet parade draws crowds, continues century-old tradition

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon tradition more than a century in the making brought thousands to downtown Bend Saturday morning, for the annual Fourth of July Pet Parade.

The event, put on by Bend Park & Recreation District, dates back to 1924 and is one of the oldest pet parades in the country. It continues to serve as a hallmark kickoff to the holiday in Bend.

Participants began staging at Harmon Park before the parade stepped off at 9:30 a.m., winding its way north on Harmon Boulevard, east on Newport Avenue and south on Wall Street before ending at Drake Park.

Crowds lined the route as a wide variety of animals took part. Dogs made up much of the parade, many dressed in red, white and blue, while horses and riders also joined in. Spectators also spotted donkeys, a rabbit, sheep and even a lizard among the mix of animals moving through downtown.

The free event, which does not require registration, remains a community favorite, drawing families, pet owners and onlookers together to celebrate the Fourth of July in a distinctly local way.