Parade Canceled For Buffalo Grove Days In September: Village

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Following the mass shooting earlier this month at the Highland Park July 4th parade, organizers of September's Buffalo Grove Days are scrapping a parade planned for the annual festival.

The Village of Buffalo Grove said Thursday it has drawn up alternative events for the morning of Sunday, Sept. 4, including a family fun walk, a community blood drive and a pancake breakfast.

“A parade just didn’t feel right following the tragedy in Highland Park. There was a lot to consider in planning this year’s event including our various stakeholders — volunteers, parade units and residents along the parade route,” Mike Skibbe, staff liaison to the Buffalo Grove Days Committee, said in a statement. “Ultimately, we have found a way to keep the community spirit alive while standing in solidarity with our neighbors.”

Buffalo Grove Days is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Sept. 5 at Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road.

The Village said the morning will begin with the family fun walk at 8 a.m., with a starting location to be announced soon, according to a news release. The walk will end at Mike Rylko Community Park.

The community blood drive, which will be sponsored by Vitalant, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the fitness center at the park.

In addition, the Village said it is working with the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove to host the pancake breakfast at the park. The breakfast will support the victims of the July 4 Highland Park tragedy, according to the news release.

Per usual, Buffalo Grove Days will also include a carnival, live music, a barbecue, car show and much more.

The Village said further details on the new events are forthcoming. Find updated information on Buffalo Grove Days’ activities at bgdays.com.