Monday, February 23, 2009

Dog day afternoon in downtown McKinney

By Allen Rich of North Texas e-News

Allen Rich/North Texas E-news

Mickey Mouse and his fan club.

They say every dog has his day and, at least for several hundred dogs that paraded through historic downtown McKinney this weekend, that day was February 22.

The Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade is a favorite of animal lovers and continues to blossom into McKinney's favorite event for the entire family. Blessed by a beautiful day, the seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus “Classic TV for Canines” Dog Parade was bigger and better than ever.

More than 250 dogs officially registered for the parade, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Perfect weather attracted dozens more to come join in the parade at the last minute and, in addition, many of the people that came to watch the pageantry brought their pets along, too.

In all, somewhere close to 300 dogs and their owners dressed as their favorite classic TV characters made the trip around the historic McKinney Square before meeting in Mitchell Park to announce winners of the categories.

Allen Rich/North Texas E-news

For example a canine version of Mickey Mouse large enough to send any cat into therapy walked off with the Extra Large Dog trophy.

McKinney Main Street and the Art Institute of McKinney host this annual highlight and this year an estimated 5,000 two-legged visitors flocked to downtown McKinney to participate, watch or photograph the amazing animals and their owners in coordinated costumes.

This free, family-friendly event is the brainchild of Art Institute of McKinney director Blynda Christian, who grew up appreciating the Mardi Gras festivities in her home state of Louisiana.

More specifically, Christian patterned Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade after Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans that was established over 15 years ago to help abused and abandoned dogs.

Allen Rich/North Texas E-news

As she looked around at the big crowd gathering in Mitchell Park on a warm, spring-like day following the parade, Christian remarked, "I always say the sun shines on the Barkus Parade!"

Kudos to Art Institute of McKinney and McKinney Main Street for the planning involved in organizing such a spectacular event.

At the end of the day, there was only one unanswered question. As you studied the dogs' faces and then compared that to the smiles on their owners' faces, it was impossible to tell just who was having the most fun. OK, maybe there was one other question. If the dogs had gotten to vote on the costumes, which human would have walked off with Best In Show?

Pegasus News content partner - North Texas e-News

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• Holidays > Mardi Gras
• Pets > Dogs