Buffalo Grove Days Parade 2026

The Buffalo Grove Days Parade unfolded under overcast skies with temperatures near 80 degrees. The parade made its way to Mike Rylko Community Park on Saturday morning, September 5. Around 60 units participated in the event.

The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band (BGSB) served as the parade grand marshal, marking 25 years of music. Howard Green, the founding music director, recently retired. He waved from a vehicle’s open roof, displaying a conductor’s baton. Green expressed pride in the orchestra’s accomplishments and was honored as part of the celebration.

“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve done something like this,” Green remarked with a smile. “I’m very proud of the orchestra as an organization.”

The Village of Buffalo Grove and the Buffalo Grove Park District produced the free, five-day event from Thursday, September 3, through Labor Day on Monday, September 7. Michael Terson, superintendent of communications and marketing, praised the event’s food and beverage offerings, as well as the musical lineup.

The weekend featured games, a carnival, music, bingo, and more. For the Kim family, the parade is a cherished tradition. James Kim, a Buffalo Grove native and Adlai E. Stevenson High School alumnus, joined the Deerfield Parkway parade route with his family. He relayed fond memories and shared his appreciation for the local area’s safety and amenities.

“This is great. I was here when I was young, and now my kids when they’re young,” James Kim commented. “Lake County is safe, a lot of good stuff around for kids.”

Also present were the 2026 Buffalo Grove Community Pageant Queens: Little Miss Avni Aggarwal, Junior Miss Diya Mathan, Miss Buffalo Grove Saachi Churiwala, and Teen Miss Reha Sachdev. Saachi Churiwala, a junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, expressed gratitude for the community and opportunities provided by the pageant.

“I’m so grateful for this community that has done so much for me,” Churiwala said.

Grady, the Buffalo Grove Police Therapy Dog, greeted families at Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway. The Griffel children, including Charli, Zane, Cheyenne, and Braydin, enjoyed meeting Grady. The event offered interactions with first responders and community representatives, fostering goodwill.

“Thank you so much for doing this for them (children),” Tiffany Golladay expressed.

Lake County’s benefits were acknowledged, with John Griffel from Gurnee sharing positive sentiments regarding schools, parks, and community camaraderie.

“Good people come out of Lake County,” Griffel said.

Buffalo Grove Village President and Mayor Eric Smith joined the parade, emphasizing tradition and community spirit.

“This parade is always great,” Smith stated. “I love Buffalo Grove.”