McKINNEY, Texas  – McKinney Main Street is partnering up with the Art Institute of McKinney to host the seventh-annual Krewe of Barkus “Classic TV for Canines” dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, Feb. 22 in Historic Downtown McKinney.

Located at Mitchell Park, just west of the downtown square, vendors will be on hand starting at 12:30 p.m. to showcase their products and services. The parade begins promptly at 2 p.m. followed by the costume contest. Participants should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to check in for the contest and parade. All prizes will be awarded at the main stage in the park.

Last year, 200 dogs participated in the parade and more than 3,000 spectators enjoyed the sights and sounds of the event which was created by the Art Institute of McKinney.

“Of all of the successful events in Historic Downtown McKinney, Krewe of Barkus is possibly the family favorite,” said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. “There are fun, free activities for entire families, whether they walk on two legs or four. This is an opportunity for creative fun in a family environment.”

Patterned after the Mystic Krewe of Barkus in New Orleans, which was established to help abused and abandoned canines, the Krewe of Barkus in McKinney will feature a parade, vendor booths, interactive activities and much more.  

“There is nothing like a bulldog wearing a feather boa to put you in the Mardi Gras spirit,” said Blynda Christian, director of the Art Institute of McKinney and parade coordinator.  “I’m constantly amazed at the creativity we see in the costumes.”  

Barkus fun isn’t limited to the dogs and their owners. Children may enter decorated floats and take part in the parade. The parade route begins at Mitchell Park at the corner of Church St. and Louisiana St., proceeding east on Louisiana, then north on Tennessee St. and finally east on Virginia ending back at Mitchell Park.

The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required for costume contestants. Individuals planning to participate in the parade should register now, as space is limited to 250 entries. Cost for participants is $5 per dog to enter the costume contest. To register, contact the Art Institute of McKinney at 972-529-6872 or info@artinstituteofmckinney.com. Please include the dog’s name, color and breed, and the owner’s name, address, phone number and email address. 

For more information about the festival call 972.547.2661 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com. 

About Downtown

McKinney enjoys one the oldest authentic and thriving historic downtowns in Texas. What was once the center of all commercial and social activity for Collin County, our 160-year-old city continues to serve as a viable retail, dining, entertainment and business center.   Downtown offers more than 100 unique shops and more than a dozen unique restaurants, including upscale restaurants featuring award-winning chefs, sandwich shops, outdoor patio dining and neighborhood pubs.  Downtown McKinney also offers an assortment of specialty shops, art galleries featuring the works of local artists, furniture stores, exquisite antique collections, gift shops and apparel boutiques.

For more information visit www.downtownmckinney.com 

About McKinney

McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As the fastest-growing city in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of 120,000. Incorporated in 1848, McKinney celebrates its 160^th birthday this year. It is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments.

Visit the city’s Web site at www.mckinneytexas.org.