The Secret Life of Pets screens at Phoenix Park July 8.

Pets at the start and Pets at the end – there’s no better way to launch the first-ever Family Day in Downtown on Saturday, July 8. Family Day features free events centered in Phoenix Park and presented by Downtown Eau Claire Inc. Kicking off the day at 1 pm will be the 70th Annual Doll & Pet Parade sponsored by the Clear Water Kiwanis.The theme is "Celebrating Families," so dress up as a famous family character from books, cartoons, history, movies, or TV. The parade’s new route will start at the corner of First Avenue and Chippewa Street and run to Grand Avenue. Registration will be at the Owen Park tennis courts from 11am-12:45pm. Entry is free for all participating families, pets, and dolls. For more information, email info@clearwaterkiwanis.org. Wrapping up the day around 9pm in Phoenix Park will be a free outdoor screening of The Secret Life of Pets, an animated movie sponsored by the North Barstow Business Improvement District. The film reveals the escapades of beloved pets when their owners are at work and focuses on a Jack Russell Terrier named Max, a white Pomeranian named Gidget (who has a dog-crush on Max), and a new mongrel named Duke. In between the parade and the film there will be plenty of other family fun. Beginning at 2pm you’ll find food, live music, demonstrations, exhibitors, and vendors in Phoenix Park. Learn about our community’s great resources for families, find fun activities and sports in the lawn next to the farmers market pavilion, watch family-friendly performances and music, and learn about nature and the outdoors from Beaver Creek Reserve and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources down where the rivers meet! Visit FamilyDayInDowntown2017.sched.com on your smartphone for schedules, locations, and sponsors. 

Family Day in Downtown • Saturday, July 8 • Phoenix Park, Eau Claire • downtowneauclaire.org