McKinney -- It was fairy tales and furry tails as hearts and hounds made their way through historic downtown McKinney Sunday afternoon for a four-legged Valentine's Day tribute at the Art Institute of McKinney’s annual Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade.
Only the wind was howling -- the dogs were well-behaved and orderly as they circled the McKinney Performing Arts Center. In fact, most of the canines seemed to be smiling as if they knew this day was set aside for an afternoon downtown with man's best friend.
Last year's event featured sunshine and 70-degree weather, which was perfect for the people, although a tad on the toasty side for the hounds. A bitter north wind and snow flurries accompanied Barkus 2010, but that was just perfect for all the guests of honor that came sporting luxurious fur coats.
"I started Barkus in 2003 as a way for kids to learn about the culture in New Orleans (I grew up in Louisiana) and express themselves creatively," says Blynda Christian, a local artist credited with starting this tradition. "I had just opened up the AIM (Art Institute of McKinney) studio and taught art classes and thought it would be a fun event for families/pets to participate.
"It was truly a grass roots effort. I sent out Lady's photo (my chocolate lab) with a press release and every local paper picked it up. We planned the event on a Wednesday and had the parade on Sunday. We had about 25 dogs and their owners show up and a small crowd."
Blynda Christian and her majesty Lady Godiva, queen of the Barkus Parade. Lady Godiva will reign for...well, actually as long as she chooses to do so. courtesy photo
"Each year it has just gotten bigger and better - just look at how many turned up today in spite of the weather!" exclaimed Christian. "Each year there are as many dogs watching from the sidelines as there are in the parade. Most of the parade entries come with entourages. Talk about funny!"
"The first couple of years, we were just trying to bring the idea of Mardi Gras to McKinney, so we didn't have 'themes' like they do in New Orleans," Christian recalled. "Our theme WAS Mardi Gras...the colors, the beads. With each year being more successful than the previous, we introduced the idea of an annual theme a couple of years ago. We've had Rock & Roll, Movies, Classic TV - and now this year was Love Stories & Fairy Tails since it fell on Valentine's Day. We always have the parade the Sunday before Mardi Gras."
Blynda Christian
"The dogs seem to love the attention and the people love the dogs. The costumes are unbelievable," Christian added. "Even the 'floats,' which are kids' decorated wagons and bicycles knock your socks off. It's truly a family-friendly and fun, free event. How many of those do you see anymore?"
Best Of Show: Amy Cox as the Love Goddess (red fishnet hose & red stiletto boots), strolling Penelope (yorkie), Paco & Pearl (chihuahuas) as a wedding party
Best Small Dog: Mimi the French bulldog as I Dream Of Jeannie
Best Sweethearts: Peanut the Shih-Poo and Muffin the Shihtzu as bride & groom in the wedding wagon
Best Large Dog: Miss Sandy, a Golden Retriever in a blonde wig coming as Miss Piggy
Best Medium Dog: Spirit (black terrier mix) as Scarlet O'Hara and Sampson (3 legged shep/lab mix) as Rhett Butler
1st Place Float: Robinson Family Cinderella's carriage, fairygodmother, evil stepsisters, Sugar (Australian shepherd)as the horse pulling the carriage and Lucy (Brussels Griffon) as Cinderella
2nd Place Float: Roxy, Sugar, & Scout (Dachshunds) as Popeye, Olive Oyl, & Sweet Pea
3rd Place Float: Ella the English bulldog as Cinderella in a stroller
Best Fairy Tale: Shea (Siberian husky) and chihuahuas Gizmo, Harley, Pepe, & Oscar with Butler/West families as Lil Bo Peep and all her sheep
Best Love Story: 2 Italian greyhounds, Trip & Porter as Brokeback Mountain
Best Family: Mathis family with Jane the black flat coat retriever as Tinker Bell and the family as the cast of Peter Pan
Best Big/Little Combo: Sadie (Dobie/black lab mix) as Cher and Romeo (chihuahua) as Sonny.
Best Of Show: Amy Cox as the Love Goddess (red fishnet hose & red stiletto boots), strolling Penelope (yorkie), Paco & Pearl (chihuahuas) as a wedding party
Best Small Dog: Mimi the French bulldog as I Dream Of Jeannie
1st Place Float: Robinson Family Cinderella's carriage, fairygodmother, evil stepsisters, Sugar (Australian shepherd)as the horse pulling the carriage and Lucy (Brussels Griffon) as Cinderella
2nd Place Float: Roxy, Sugar, & Scout (Dachshunds) as Popeye, Olive Oyl, & Sweet Pea
3rd Place Float: Ella the English bulldog as Cinderella in a stroller
Best Fairy Tale: Shea (Siberian husky) and chihuahuas Gizmo, Harley, Pepe, & Oscar with Butler/West families as Lil Bo Peep and all her sheep
Best Love Story: 2 Italian greyhounds, Trip & Porter as Brokeback Mountain
Best Family: Mathis family with Jane the black flat coat retriever as Tinker Bell and the family as the cast of Peter Pan
A band takes the stage after all the winners were announced.
The crowd in historic downtown McKinney even had a chance to do a little last-minute Valentine's Day shopping.
Stained Glass of McKinney
