Inaugural Pet Parade Recognizes Downers Grove as Animal-Friendly Community

Downers Grove’s Summer Nights Classic Car Show will go to the dogs—in a fun way—Aug. 31, as the final show of the season takes a different twist. The public that strolls downtown Main Street on summer Friday nights admiring classic cars and enjoying live music will show their love for their pets that night starting at 6 p.m.

This event, which will recognize Downers Grove as a pet-friendly community, celebrates the love and compassion people share for their pets. Pet owner are encouraged to enter their domesticated animals in a contest that will be judged on originality, creativity, presentation, emotional appeal, costumes (if applicable) and a large dose of cuteness. Contest participants have the option of either walking with their pets or cruising with them in their vehicle. A winner will be chosen in each category, which will be invited to take a victory lap of the car show.

Upo to five judges will be people served by Seguin Services, the local social service charity serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

One of the judges, Tom Cummings, an individual served by Seguin, Seguin Auto Center employee and former Downers Grove resident, is anticipating the parade. “This is going to be fun," he said. " I want my family to come out to see the parade, too.”

Master of ceremonies for the evening will be Dennis D. Secara, president of Big Bopper DJ Service. He will announce and describe each animal contestant.

The availability for the contest is limited to 50 participants: 30 in cars and 20 on foot. Get information and register by emailing info@downtowndg.org or visiting the Downers Grove Management Corporation, 933A Curtiss St. Call 630-725-0992.

The event is being sponsored by the Downers Grove Management Corporation and PawsIAm Television.

PawsIAm Television will be a resource on the Internet for information about pet health and well being, said Jim Minick, director of operations. Working with his wife, Mary Ann, PawsIAm Television will launch in September with programming for pet-loving consumers.

As for the car show, all classic cars are welcome on Main Street from Maple to Franklin. Featured cars will be parked on Curtiss Street. All weekly featured cars must be 1980 and older.

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