A local parade honoring the communityβs furry, scaly and feathery companions of all shapes and sizes hits the streets this weekend.
The third annual Pets of Pima Parade & Friends of PACC Festival returns on Sunday, Feb. 18 β this time, with a new route along Sixth Avenue. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on First Street and Sixth Avenue and heads south along Sixth Avenue before turning east on Seventh Street where it will conclude at Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue.
The parade route consists of three segments: the Raising Caneβs ProcesiΓ³n de los Perros for dogs (including a section of wheelie dogs from canine mobility center A Loyal Companion!); the TEP Cat Convoy for kitties on leashes, in strollers and even on a double-decker bus; and finally, the Pet Pride segment for all other pets including turtles, pigs and birds. There will also be a float honoring beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.
The Pets of Pima Parade brings together Tucson's animal lovers while benefitting Pima Animal Care Center.Β
Following the parade, the Friends of PACC Festival kicks off at 11:30 a.m. near Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue, close to the parade finish line. The festival includes a kidβs zone with face painting and balloon art, pet adoptions, music, food trucks, classic cars and plenty of pet-loving vendors.
To participate in the parade, individuals must donate or raise a minimum of $50 to go toward Friends of PACC, which is a nonprofit that supports Pima Animal Care Center. For those looking to start or join a team, there are three tiers depending on the number of team members. A five-member team starts at a $250 donation.Β
Kids ages 17 and under can participate (with their registered guardian) in the parade for free.
βThe funds go to support pets and projects that take place at PACC. Itβs a variety of different things whether itβs direct medical support for animals with extreme medical conditions, adoption support, and projects we have,β Torre Chisholm, the executive director of Friends of PACC, told the Arizona Daily Star last year.
The deadline to register for the event online is 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. However, hopeful participants can register in person on the day of the parade at First Street and Sixth Avenue.Β
Just want to watch cute pets walk, waddle or roll down the route? Spectators can watch the parade for free.
The Pets of Pima Parade features animals of all sorts.Β
Whether youβre a participant or spectator, plan your trip accordingly as there will be various road closures due to the event. Roads in the area including Sixth Avenue, Sixth Street, Seventh Street and part of Fourth Avenue will be closed before and during the event, according to the paradeβs website.Β
Paradegoers can utilize the free Sun Link streetcar that will continue to run throughout the event, and the Tucson High School Animal Rescue Group is opening its campus parking lot from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. The $5 parking fee will be donated to Friends of PACC.
βJoining the parade is a celebration of our cherished pets and resonant support for a cause that solidifies the enduring bond between humans and animals. Your involvement supports every step and paw that has graced our lives, enriching them immeasurably and echoing a commitment to love, care, and steadfast support,β the parade website says.
If you go
What:Β Pets of Pima Parade & Friends of PACC Festival.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.
Where: Parade begins at First Street and Sixth Avenue.
Cost: Free to watch; a minimum $50 donation to PACC to participate.
For moreΒ information, visit the Pets of Pima Parade website.
