Buffalo Grove Days Parade Could Return In September: Village

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Following a recent community survey that sought feedback from residents about bringing back a parade during the Buffalo Grove Days festival, the Village of Buffalo Grove has decided to move forward with one. The parade, which typically coincides with the annual Labor Day weekend event, last took place in 2019.

Buffalo Grove Days is scheduled to run from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4.

In its weekly e-newsletter, the Village announced it is accepting applications for parade participants. The parade, which is planned for Sept. 3, will feature floats, marching bands and community groups. The Village said a parade route will be announced soon.

RELATED: Take Survey — Village Considering Return Of Buffalo Grove Days Parade

The Village said the parade will only move forward if at least 50 parade units make a commitment to participate by July 31 to "ensure a quality event." To apply and find out more information, check out the parade site here.

The parade has traditionally taken place late Sunday morning, moving east along Bernard Drive, and then north on Raupp Boulevard to the festival's site, then held at Emmerich Park and the Village campus. Since then, the festival was moved approximately 1.5 miles north to Mike Rylko Community Park "to accommodate the crowds and activities that had grown over the event's nearly 60-year history."

Also, underground utility construction occurred on Bernard Drive in 2021/2022, when the road was patched. Reconstruction of the road is expected to begin in 2024.

The parade was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic. Buffalo Grove Days returned, scaled down in 2021, under a new partnership between the Village and Park District. Last year's parade was canceled following the July 4 tragedy in Highland Park.