Come to the Burlingame Pet Parade on Sept. 24!

BURLINGAME, CA – Local schools are invited to compete in a “Best School Float” contest in the 13th annual Burlingame Pet Parade, which will be held on Saturday, September 24. More than 1,500 people, including hundreds of pet owners and their pets dressed in wild and crazy costumes, are expected for this year’s parade.

All public and private schools in San Mateo County that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to complete in the “Best School Float” competition. The winning school will receive a check for $400 and the second-place winner will receive $200 from the Broadway Merchants Association. School groups must register in advance by contacting Ayn Gilmore at AVR Realty in Burlingame at ayn@avrr.com or calling or (650) 342-2073..

TRAFFIC ALERT: Burlingame Pet Parade is Saturday

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Broadway in Burlingame. Pet owners who wish to march with their pets must report by 9:30 a.m. to the parking lot near Broadway and Chula Vista Avenue. This family-friendly parade offers free entertainment and art projects for children. There is no charge to participate.

Tots from St. Paul Nursery School in Burlingame will lead this year’s parade. Every participant will receive a souvenir ribbon. Fancy ribbons will be awarded for the Best Pet Trick; Most Unusual Pet; Best Dressed Pet; and Most Original Float, Group or Wagon (non-school category). The Grand Prize winner will receive a special prize. Judging takes place immediately after the parade at Broadway and Capuchino Avenue.

A “float” can be elaborate or as simple as a decorated bicycle, wagon or kiddie car. Only non-motorized floats are eligible and each float must include at least one pet. No political entries are permitted, but all types of pets are welcome. Children without pets are encouraged to bring stuffed animals. Groups are encouraged to identify themselves with a banner or sign.

This year’s parade is sponsored by the Broadway Merchants Association, the City of Burlingame, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Pet Food Express, the Alan Canas Team of Realtors, the Daily Journal, Korody Business Services and Colorprint.

Participants will strut to the music of the Burlingame High School Band and the Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band, and they will be entertained before and after the parade by the San Mateo Elks Concert Band.

Broadway businesses will join in the festivities, hosting sidewalk sales and special promotions.

The parade was started in 2004 by a group of volunteers to promote community spirit. It is entirely supported by volunteers and community donations.

The parade will march up Broadway from Chula Vista to Capuchino Avenue, where it will turn right and circle back down Broadway. The entire parade consists of a leisurely stroll that lasts about 30 minutes and is less than three-fourths of a mile.

Water stations will be provided for pets.

For more information, including a map of the parade route and photos of previous parades, see www.burlingamepetparade.com, or call (650) 342-2073.