SILVERTON

Silverton's annual pet parade to go virtual

Lee Clarkson
Salem Statesman Journal

Like many events so far this spring, Silverton’s annual Pet Parade is adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions.

The parade, originally scheduled for May 16, will instead take place May 2 through 16 on the Pet Parade's Facebook event page.

Kiwanis Club board member and social media chair Sarah Walling will be posting photos from past parades, funny animal memes, trivia and more, the club said in a release.

Go to the 2020 Virtual Pet Parade event page, or to the Silverton Kiwanas Club Facebook page at facebook.com/silvertonkiwanis to join in on the fun.

Community members are encouraged to post photos and videos of their own pets and interact with others’ contributions. Typical parade participants also include students, local organizations and more, the release said.

“In this time of social distancing, being able to connect with others online can help us maintain our sense of community and feel a little normal,” Walling said. “Plus, who doesn’t want to see photos of cute animals? We could all use something to make us smile these days, and I think the virtual Pet Parade is just the ticket.”

Organizers are looking at rescheduling the real-life parade, which was first organized in 1932. Tentative ideas are for immediately after quarantine orders are lifted or as part of the Homer Davenport Days parade, currently scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8.