The Pet Parade Mural on the south side of the Band Shell in Central Park in Faribault says the event started in 1931 but the City of Faribault calls this year's event the 85th year.

Parks and Recreation Director Paul Penansky told KDHL some seasoned residents of Faribault provided proof the event started before 1939 which was the year previously included on the mural.  They changed the year to 1931 some years ago.

Those seniors also stated there were years with no parade during World War II.  Remember there were rations during some of that time for certain things.  Gas, butter, canned milk, sugar.  The war ended in 1945 but sugar was not lifted from rations until June of 1947.

Herbert Hoover was President of the United States in 1931.  In 1931 here are some interesting average costs:

  • Average new house in United States $6,790.00
  • Average yearly wage was $1,850.00
  • Cost of a gallon of gas 10 cents
  • Average cost for house rent $18.00 per month
  • A loaf of bread was 8 cents
  • A pound of Hamburger 11 cents
  • An Alarm Clock was $3.50
  • In 1931 a new Ford vehicle started at $430.  A new Auburn Sedan was $995.

You get the idea.

There was a parade last year.  It was not held the traditional way.  People and their pets road in vehicles around town.

This year's parade will indeed start at 2nd Avernue NW and 9th Street NW with kids and their pets walking to Central Park where KidsDanceDjs will play some tunes for the participants to enjoy.

The Faribault Pet Parade is believed to be the oldest in Minnesota.  LaGrange, Illinois is celebrating their 75th pet parade this September.

Paws on Grand took place Sunday, August 8, 2021 in St. Paul, Mn.

Wayzata, Mn. has a pet parade.

Olympia, Washington had about 90 years of a pet parade but their city website says no events or festivals are being held currently due to COVID.

The neat thing about the Faribault Pet Parade is the fact you don't have to have a pet to be in it.

Just consider each year's theme (this year it's " A day at the Zoo") and use your imagination.  Participants can choose a category to participate in or simply get some neighbors and build a float.

Here are some of the categories listed by Faribault Parks and Recreation:

  • Costumes
  • Wagons
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Unusual pets
  • Farm animals
  • Horses
  • Bikes
  • Scooters
  • Rollerblades
  • Battery-powered vehicles
  • Rabbits
  • Strollers
  • Golf Carts

You may phone 507-334-2064 to register your entry.

Faribault Pet Parade Route 2021. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
Faribault Pet Parade Route 2021. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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