Mardi Gras is going to the dogs in McKinney

by Blair Lovern

Pix and video of the annual Krewe of Barkus dog parade, plus a list of local Mardi Gras events coming up this week.

We took in the 5th Annual Krewe* of Barkus, Mardi Gras dog parade in McKinney on Sunday. It's growing every year and well worth the trip if you've never been. Below is a video of the whole parade, which at the time I thought lasted about 5 minutes but in reality it was slightly more than 11 minutes. Your fun multiplies by more than a factor of two at this thing.

We saw lots of well-behaved dogs, I was impressed. Not too many dog fights, except a few started by little dogs. Not sure why little dogs have such little chips on their shoulders.

There's a second video of the winner of best costume for human and dog, and it's a person dressed as a centipede-looking thing. This year's theme was Hollywood. But unless they were celebrating a James Whitmore-driven, insect horror epic, I took the video because I can't explain it in any context.

And here is the bug approaching the stage to accept its award. Afterward, it regurgitated some disgusting grey liquid from its stomach to dissolve the trophy and turn it into food. I wish I had that on video, but I ran out of batteries, sorry.

NOTE:If you'd like to find more local Mardi Gras events, check our list of activities going on this week.

Fat Tuesday's the peak, with celebrations at a number of local restaurants including Nate's and Greenville Avenue Seafood and Jazz (where they're hosting the N'Awlins Gumbo Kings).

But Denton is also throwing its 3rd Annual Denton county Mardi Gras celebration, 6 p.m. at Lake Dallas City Park -- for free.

*Krewe: Any of several groups with often hereditary membership whose members organize and participate as costumed participants in the float parades, and balls, in the annual Mardi Gras carnival.

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