Buffalo Grove Days Parade 2026

The Buffalo Grove Days Parade of 2026 was held under cloudy weather, with temperatures nearing 80 degrees. This lively event took place on September 5, with participants marching towards Mike Rylko Community Park.

A total of about 60 parade units were featured in the Saturday morning lineup. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band (BGSB) served as the grand marshal in celebration of its 25 years of musical contributions. Howard Green, the founding music director, was recently retired but made his presence felt by waving a conductor’s baton from a vehicle’s open roof.

Green expressed his pride for the orchestra as an organization, stating, “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve done something like this.” The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band is currently searching for its next music director and conductor.

This annual event reached a high note from September 3 to Labor Day, September 7, produced by the Village of Buffalo Grove and the Buffalo Grove Park District. Superintendent of Communications and Marketing, Michael Terson, praised the selection of foods and beverages, stating, “The food and beverage selection this year is fantastic.” The extended Labor Day weekend also included games, a carnival, music, bingo, and other attractions.

The Kim family, residents of Buffalo Grove, continued their parade tradition, watching from the Deerfield Parkway parade route. James Kim, who graduated from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in 2004, attended the parade with his wife Julie and children Chloe, age 9 and in fourth grade, and Celine, age 4. “I was here when I was young, and now my kids are young,” James Kim shared.

In an open convertible during the parade, participants included the Buffalo Grove Community Pageant Queens Little Miss: Avni Aggarwal, Junior Miss: Diya Mathan, Miss Buffalo Grove Saachi Churiwala, 16, and Teen Miss: Reha Sachdev. Saachi Churiwala highlighted the significant support and opportunities provided by the Buffalo Grove community.

Buffalo Grove Police Therapy Dog Grady, an American Labradoodle, greeted children including Charli, age 6, Zane, age 8, Cheyenne, age 7, and Braydin, age 3, at the corner of Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway.

Participants had the chance to mingle with first responders and community representatives, creating memorable encounters for many. Tiffany Golladay expressed gratitude for providing these experiences, and John Griffel praised the area for its schools and parks, noting, “Good people come out of Lake County.”

Buffalo Grove Village President and Mayor Eric Smith attended the parade, sharing his enthusiasm for the annual event, “This parade is always great. It’s a tradition we have on Labor Day.”

Karie Angell Luc contributed as a freelance writer for Pioneer Press.