Registration Opens For Aurora's 4th-Annual Pet Parade

AURORA, IL — Friday is National Dog Day, and in Aurora, that means registration has opened for the city's upcoming Pooch Parade.

The annual competitive convention of canines, in its fourth year, will take place starting at 11 a.m. Oct. 2 at Phillips Park Sunken Garden, 1000 Ray Moses Drive.

Participants will compete for several awards: Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Aurora Pride, Best Costume, Best Trick, Most Energetic, Twinsies (dog and owner) and Crowd Favorite.

The Aurora Animal Care and Control Center will also be on-site taking donations of dog and cat food, toys, treats and more.

This year, Bandito, a 2-year-old Shih Tzu that won Crowd Favorite at the 2021 Pooch Parade, will serve as grand marshal. He will be accompanied by his owners, Selene and Oscar.

Owners have until Sept. 29 to sign their pups up through the city's website. The first 100 people to sign up are guaranteed a spot in the parade.

"We welcome all dogs who were unable to register for participation to come out to Phillips Park, mingle with the other dogs, experience the Parade, and check out the many pet-vendors we'll have on-site!" organizers wrote in the event description.

Registered dogs must be socialized, current on all vaccinations and wear a standard leash at the event, city officials said.

RELATED: National Dog Day 2022: Illinois Pups Strut Their Stuff

More information about the event can be found by contacting the City of Aurora Special Events Division at 630-256-3370 or events@aurora.il.us.