On the morning of Saturday June 1st,, three MG B roadsters (the Hickenloopers, the Brennans, Kalafut / Heasley), two MG B GTs (the Gorrs, and Brian & Doug Clark), and an MG Midget (Tim Schafer) were driven in the LaGrange Pet Parade, and Jamie Schafer walked the route with their wagon-bound Dandie Dinmont Terriers Dolly & Sidney.

This event has been a tradition in that town since 1947. The Parade benefits Pet Parade Charities, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and care of animals in the metropolitan area.

Over 100 parade entries, including many non-profit groups (e.g., bands, animal organizations, civic groups), assembled ahead of the 9:30 a.m. start time on side streets off of LaGrange Road, before entering the parade. Prior to our joining the route, some in the Club walked one block to see some of the other entrants, including cars from the local / regional Model A Club. We also waited to see if any other CMGC members would end up joining us, as we thought we might have four more MGs.

Once we entered the Parade, we drove single file for about 1.5 miles, which took over 30 minutes - due to frequent stoppages (normal / common in a large parade). Unfortunately, we weren't able to get our cars out of first gear, although we revved our engines while in neutral and honked our horns - so at least we would be heard. (Not sure if other Club members were playing music loudly, but in our car we were blaring "The Who" out of the CD player.) At stages of the route we passed announcing stations who, somewhat incorrectly, alerted the spectators of our presence.

The thousands of spectators who lined each side of the streets seemed to enjoy seeing our cars from the 1960s and 1970s, especially since some were adorned with Union Jack flags and pennants.

At parade's end, several in the Club adjourned afterwards to a nearby watering hole for liquid refreshment and a meal.

This was a new event for CMGC. (For many, many, years VMGCC participated in this parade until about 2006.) All in all, those driving and riding in our MGs (and Jamie, Dolly, & Sidney) seemed to enjoy the attention we received. Also...it wasn't hot, and it didn't rain.

Maybe we'll do it again next year(?!)

Safety Fast! 

Doug G. Clark

Editors Note: Photo courtesy of Rex Nyquist - friend of Doug, Brian, and Scott Clark.