McKinney calling all canines to participate in 11th Annual Krewe Barkus Mardi Gras parade

The dog parade takes place February 10.

Photo by Elliott Muñoz

Geisha doggie

MCKINNEY — Downtown McKinney is calling all four-legged canine friends and their owners to the 11th annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras dog parade and costume contest Sunday, February 10.

The event starts at 12:30 p.m., and the parade begins at 2 p.m. This year's theme celebrates animated characters from the Sunday comics, comic books, movies, television and more.

Patterned after the legendary Krewe of Barkus parade in New Orleans, La., which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, the McKinney event features a parade, costume contest, vendor booths and interactive activities for the entire family.

In partnership with McKinney Main Street, Art Institute of McKinney will hold the parade at Mitchell Park, just west of the downtown commercial district. In past years, more than 200 dogs marched in the parade for as many as 4,500 spectators. Vendors will showcase their products and services starting at 12:30 p.m.

And Barkus isn't limited to just dogs and their owners. Children may enter floats and join in the parade.

The event is free and open to the public. Cost for participants to enter the costume contest is $5 per dog, and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Art Institute of McKinney at info@artinstituteofmckinney.com by February 3. Be sure to include the dog's name, color and breed, along with the owner's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Prizes will be awarded for each size (small, medium, large, and exceptionally large) for Best Costume, Best Dog and Owner Combo, and Best of Show.

For more information about the event, call 972-547-2661 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com. The event is sponsored in part by McKinney Main Street, Art Institute of McKinney, Rover Resort, Critter Concierge, and the Canine Cookie Company.