Parade pooch.
NOT EVEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC could stop the 84th annual Faribault Pet Parade from rolling through commercial and residential areas of my community Thursday evening.
The Faribault Parks and Recreation Department planned, and participated in, the parade.
A Hawaiian-themed parks and rec unit pulls an electronic sign.
Heading west on Fourth Street, the signage alerts motorists to the parade.
Rather than kids and adults leading and carrying leashed pets, participants were required to stay inside/on vehicles. Car cruise style.
Parade vehicles aim west along MN State Highway 60/Fourth Street.
It’s all about man’s best friend in this parade entry.
Stuffed into the back of a pick-up, kids, a dog (s) and stuffed animals.
Numbers were down considerably from previous parades when kids cram streets and parade watchers fill sidewalks. Randy and I were the lone observers sitting in our lawn chairs along a busy stretch of Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street, the main route into the heart of downtown.
I wasn’t quick enough to get a good photo of the farm animals on this trailer. But, oh, that girl’s wave and smile…
Pink balloons mark a convertible carrying cancer survivors and their pet dogs. The 2020 Relay for Life of Rice County is happening this evening, August 7, with a drive-through event at the fairgrounds.
We get a hearty wave from the driver of the Heartland Animal Hospital car.
Despite the low numbers, the spirit of the parade prevailed with waves and smiles and simply an overall happy feeling. Much needed.
One family’s humorous take on COVID-19.
Masking up inside a vintage ambulance decorated with assorted oddities and a barely noticeable dog peeking out the passenger side window.
I have yet to figure out why Woody from Toy Story was placed on the front of this vintage car.
There were reminders, though, of COVID-19 in face masks worn and in a humorous message shared by one family.
Mixing political aspirations into the parade…a city council candidate advertised her candidacy on multiple vehicles.
Not your typical royalty…Princess Mocha.
We moved and viewed the parade again near its ending just blocks from Central Park.
All too quickly, the police-led parade, the pets, the aspiring politician, Princess Mocha, passed. But the memories will remain. Of a pet parade that proceeded even during these difficult days of a global pandemic.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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