Artistic Krewe of Barkus 2018
Sunday, February 11
"The Bark-a-palooza Tour Around The World"
Krewe of Barkus weather update...
Krewe of Barkus is one of the most popular events in our community. This annual dog parade is a McKinney tradition, and due to weather, this afternoon we decided to move the activities for Sunday, February 11 inside McKinney Performing Arts Center. Sponsors will have the opportunity to set-up inside MPAC, and the parade portion of the event has been moved to the Courtroom Theater. Dogs will have the chance to model their costumes on the stage. Essentially now, it's 'Dogs on the Catwalk.' And, $2,000 worth of prizes from downtown McKinney will be awarded to category winners.
Sponsors will have the opportunity to set-up inside MPAC, and the parade portion of the event has been moved to the Courtroom Theater. Dogs will have the chance to model their costumes on the stage. Essentially now, it's 'Dogs on the Catwalk.' And, $2,000 worth of prizes from downtown McKinney will be awarded to category winners. Sponsors will set-up at MPAC beginning at 1 p.m., and registration for dogs begins at 2 p.m. Musicians from Razzmajazz Dixieland Jazz Band will entertain participants in the Courtroom Theater prior to the contest. This event is free and open to the public; however, the Courtroom Theater has limited seating capacity.
We will be traveling, so choose a country. You won’t need a passport for this journey, but it will be the trip of a lifetime! Barkus 2018 will be roving through seven continents - 195 countries. What is your heritage? Where have you traveled? Where would you like to go? Pick a place and help us celebrate . . . the native dress, food, music, and traditions of countries and cultures around world. Get out your lederhosen, panchos, kimonos, berets, and kilts, and get ready to howl! We are having a festival of nations and calling it "The Bark-A-Palooza Tour Around the World - Celebrating Countries & Cultures Across the Globe."
This is the 16th annual Krewe of Barkus parade and it promises to be another howling success. In past years, more than 250 dogs participated in the parade alongside more than 4,500 spectators who come to marvel at the costumes and creativity. Patterned after the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, Krewe of Barkus will feature a parade, vendor booths, and interactive activities. Animal rescue groups will also be present to help worthy dogs find forever homes.
The event is free and open to the public at no charge. There is a small registration fee for those who wish to participate in the costume contest. Pre-Registration and confirmation is required to be in the parade.
To register for the parade, contact Blynda Christian at kreweofbarkustx@gmail.com or register with our online form on the artinstituteofmckinney.com website or the McKinney Main Street website! We'll need your name & contact info, as well as info on your dogs and their costume. Floats (decorated wagons) can also be entered.
Over $2,000 in prizes donated by the merchants of McKinney will be awarded to costume category winners. Prizes will be awarded in each size category (small, medium, large, and huge), for Best Costume, Best Dog & Owner combo/group, Best Float, and Best of Show. Judges will be looking for how you take the theme this year and get creative.
Participants check-in at Mitchell Park at 12.30. Parade begins promptly at 2 p.m.
Cost is $5 per dog and/float. Example: 2 dogs = $10, 1 dog + 1 float = $10
Email information to Blynda and pay with PayPal online or mail a check to:
AIM Barkus Parade
c/o Blynda Christian
214 Sparrow Hawk Drive
McKinney, TX 75070
For information about vendors, contact McKinney Main Street at 972-547-2660.
If you have already registered, forward this email to anyone you think will be interested. There’s still time!
There’s also still time to order beads for the parade. I order from Oriental Trading Company. They have a huge selection.
Blynda will email parade procedures to all registrants. You must be registered to be in the parade. Check in at 12:30 p.m. and parade is at 2:00 p.m.