Eau Claire’s Doll and Pet parade, a tradition now in its 70th year, is moving in 2017 in more ways than one. It’s also got a new sponsor: The Clear Water Kiwanis Club will be overseeing the parade, taking over from the Water Street Business Improvement District. The cavalcade of adorableness, which typically occurred in May, will be rescheduled to coincide with the brand-new Family Day in Downtown, which will be held by Downtown Eau Claire Inc. on Saturday, July 8. Furthermore, instead of traveling down Water Street, the route has been moved to nearby First Avenue and Grand Avenue. “The change of route for the parade better accommodates the needs of businesses, neighborhoods, and the small legs of the parade participants,” a press release stated. The parade will begin at 1pm at the UW-Eau Claire Water Street parking lot, then proceed north on First Avenue. Following the parade, the Family Fun Day festivities will begin at Phoenix Park. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Families,” so be sure to consider including all the members of your family – even the furry ones – in the excitement.