The Purple Paw Parade serves as a Homecoming tradition in Ogden, bringing together pet lovers and community members to show their purple pride. Since 2021, the event has been used to bolster the Make Ogden Purple initiative, which aims to establish and cultivate a college-town culture in Ogden.
The parade was created by Weber State Associate Director of Alumni Relations Amber Robson and Amir Jackson, who was a member of the WSU Alumni Board of Directors at the time. According to WSU alumni marketing coordinator Cassidy Miller, the parade draws a passionate crowd of pet lovers, business owners, and people from across Utah to draw attention to Weber State.
The annual procession of dogs begins at the Ogden Amphitheater in downtown Ogden, travels down Kiesel Avenue to 23rd Street, and concludes at Weber State Downtown on Washington Boulevard. Participants in the parade receive special Weber treats and gear for themselves and their pets.
While the walk was cancelled due to inclement weather last year, 260 people participated at Weber State Downtown. The 2026 Purple Paw Parade is scheduled for Oct. 10. Registration for the event is free and begins in August.
Interested parties can find more information at alumni.weber.edu or by visiting the WSU Alumni booth at the final summer market of Farmers Market Ogden to register. Those who participate without registering will not receive free swag.
