A mural on the bandshell in Faribault’s Central Park features the annual Pet Parade. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON. Or, in this case, the 2020 Faribault Pet Parade.
Now in its 80th-something year, this annual August parade of animals and kids continues even in a global pandemic. Not to worry. Changes have been made to protect participants and parade watchers.
This side of the mural shows a typical pet parade. This year, all participants must stay inside their vehicles. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
According to information posted on the Faribault Parks & Rec Department Facebook page, the 6:30 pm, Thursday, August 6, event will be car cruise style. That means no walking; only riding in vehicles. Pets and people.
Organizers encourage folks to get creative with pet-themed vehicles or to load up their pets and hit the lengthy parade route.
The complete Pet Parade mural. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Those watching the parade must adhere to social distancing guidelines, the Facebook post states. That goes also for the concert, with a DJ playing kid-focused music, at 7 pm in Central Park. CDC guidelines and crowd limits will be enforced.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Now that you understand the changes and the rules, go ahead and brainstorm. Make this a family project to transform the family vehicle into a pet. Or determine ways to showcase your pets in a festive and fun way.
We could all use a little fun and many reasons to smile. Let’s do it, Faribault. For our community, and especially for our kids. And, above all, stay safe and adhere to the rules.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I have not heard of the pet parade in Faribault, now in its 80+ year! What a cute idea. I’m glad they are having a revised parade and not cancelling it.
I think it can work. As long as everyone follows the rules and stays smart.
What a fun idea! I love it and I bet there will be some great entries! I hope you share pictures!
I will. I know if you were here, you’d be right there with your cute kitties.
Keep us posted! With all the changes during COVID crisis I am quite amazed with the ingenuity and creativity that shine through people to bring some normalcy to the day/event. Thinking out of the box
It is good to have some normalcy, for sure. I continue to enjoy our weekly concerts in the park. I hope to watch, and photograph, the pet parade.