The Buffalo Grove Days Parade for 2026 unfolded under grey skies, hosting nearly 80-degree temperatures, with the parade route culminating at Mike Rylko Community Park. On Saturday, September 5, around 60 parade units participated.
The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band (BGSB) was honored as the grand marshal, celebrating 25 years of music. Howard Green, the founding Music Director who recently retired, attended the parade waving a conductor’s baton. Green is recognized as a founder of the BGSB, contributing to the grand marshal designation celebrating the band’s quarter-century milestone.
During the parade, Green expressed his pride in the orchestra, stating, “It’s the first time in my life I’ve done something like this.” The BGSB is in search of their next music director and conductor.
The Village of Buffalo Grove and the Buffalo Grove Park District organized Buffalo Grove Days, a free five-day event starting on Thursday, September 3, continuing through Labor Day on Monday, September 7, at Mike Rylko Community Park. Michael Terson, superintendent of communications and marketing for the Buffalo Grove Park District, praised the food and beverage selection and highlighted the impressive lineup of bands.
The weekend featured games, a carnival, music, bingo, and more. The Kim family of Buffalo Grove continued their tradition of attending the festival’s parade. James and Julie Kim, along with their children Chloe, 9, and Celine, 4, enjoyed the event on the Deerfield Parkway parade route. Reflecting on his experiences, James Kim shared his comfort in the safety and hospitality of Lake County.
The parade also showcased the Buffalo Grove Community Pageant (BGCP) 2026 Queens, composed of Little Miss Avni Aggarwal, Junior Miss Diya Mathan, Miss Buffalo Grove Saachi Churiwala, 16, and Teen Miss Reha Sachdev. Saachi Churiwala expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the community and the pageant.
Buffalo Grove Police Therapy Dog Grady, an American Labradoodle, greeted families, including the Griffel family, who appreciated the community interaction and praised Lake County’s amenities. John Griffel emphasized his connection to the area, stating, “Good people come out of Lake County.”
Appearing in the parade was Buffalo Grove Village President and Mayor Eric Smith, who voiced his fondness for the parade tradition, noting, “I love Buffalo Grove.”
Karie Angell Luc, a freelancer for Pioneer Press, provided reporting on the event.
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