The Pet Dogs of Madison Heights to Lead Neighborhood’s Traditional July 4 Parade

The dogs of Madison Heights will lead the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic on Saturday, July 4, stepping off at 11 a.m. at Euclid Avenue and Fillmore Street.

For the first time, the Madison Heights Neighborhood Association is naming a large group as Grand Marshals — the neighborhood’s pet dogs — a playful turn for a free, all-ages tradition the association calls its most beloved and best-attended event.

The parade dates back to 2002, the year after the Sept. 11 attacks, and the organizers say it “continues to bring people together to celebrate community and neighborliness.”

The procession runs a short four blocks south down Euclid Avenue from Fillmore to Glenarm Street, where the final two blocks become a block party. South Euclid Avenue stays closed to traffic until the event wraps around 2:30 p.m.

The organizers describe it as “a casual, fun, simple affair, a short 4-block parade of walkers, decorated bikes, trikes, wagons — really anything on wheels, feet or paws.”

While the parade is for Madison Heights residents — “about an even split of renters and owners” — the association says everyone is welcome to join.

Walkers and decorated bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers, skateboards, wagons and wheelchairs are all welcome, and people begin gathering at Euclid and Fillmore about 10 minutes before the 11 a.m. start.

Dog owners are asked to bring only dog-friendly, people-friendly pets and to line up behind the Grand Marshals’ banner.

In written answers, the association said, “everyone should … join their furballs leading the parade.”

According to the organizers, the event opens with remarks from association president John Latta, the National Anthem sung by a young local singer, a police escort and the Blair High School JROTC color guard, and in most years a Pasadena Fire Department engine and horn blast.

At the block party, a Pie ‘N Burger truck and the Jazz Notes Creamery dessert truck will serve food, alongside face painting, sidewalk chalk and, when available, that fire department engine for children to explore.

There is no fee to attend or take part, though the association welcomes donations toward costs it says are driven by street closure, police, seating rentals, insurance and free dessert for kids.

Pie ‘N Burger meals are $20 and include chips and a drink, payable by cash or Venmo only — no credit cards — while desserts are bought directly at the Jazz Notes Creamery truck and children receive a voucher for one free shaved ice. Attendees may also bring their own picnic baskets.

The association, an all-volunteer nonprofit representing more than 1,500 residents of southwest Pasadena, has marked the holiday with the parade for years, varying its Grand Marshals from longtime residents to the Pasadena Fire Department. Before the pandemic, the organizers said, the parade marched twice as far, down to Allendale Park, often with a band and a dance floor, but using the park roughly doubled event fees to “well over ten grand,” prompting a shorter route.

“Many have asked for a return to that route, but we would have to dramatically increase fundraising and volunteer help again,” the association said.

The association said this year’s group Grand Marshal is meant to be lighthearted: “This is the first year we’re doing a large group Grand Marshal, which should be fun.”