The Doll and Pet Parade, an Eau Claire tradition for the last 69 years, is now under the leadership of the Clear Water Kiwanis Club of Eau Claire (a service organization whose mission is to promote the welfare of children in our community) and will be on a new day with a new route. The parade will take place on Saturday, July 8, beginning at 1pm at the corner of First Avenue and Chippewa Street (UW-Eau Claire’s Water Street Parking Lot), and travel north on First Avenue to Grand Avenue. Registration to participate in the parade runs from 11am-12:45pm at the Water Street Parking Lot. Entry is free for all participating families, pets, and dolls, and the Kiwanis would like to specifically extend an invitation to all past participants to join in the fun. The theme for this year’s parade is “Celebrating Families,” and immediately following the parade families can join in on the new Family Day in Downtown kicking off in Phoenix Park. Pat Lokken, a long-time organizer of the parade, will be the Grand Marshall for this special 70th anniversary celebration. Clear Water Kiwanis member Paula Stuttegan said, “We are most excited about keeping a longstanding Eau Claire family tradition going while making changes that put it squarely in the middle of a larger downtown event. The beauty of the First Avenue route, along Owen Park and the river, is really something our participants will enjoy.” 

Clear Water Kiwanis 70th Annual Doll and Pet Parade • Saturday, July 8 • registration 11am-12:45pm, parade 1pm • First Avenue to Grand Avenue, Eau Claire • FREE • clearwaterkiwanis.org • Clear Water Kiwanis-Eau Claire on Facebook • info@clearwaterkiwanis.org