McKinney, Texas -- February 27, 2022 marks the 20th year that visitors to Historic Downtown McKinney have been able to participate in or be a spectator of the Krewe of Barkus parade! This parade, which is always held on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, began as a small event on the sidewalk outside the Art Institute of McKinney, involving about thirty dogs and a couple of hundred people. It soon grew to approximately 200 dogs and a few thousand people converging into downtown McKinney on a Sunday afternoon.
The founder, Blynda Brown Christian, grew up in Louisiana as the daughter of a Baptist minister in a predominantly Catholic community. A Baptist minister’s daughter didn’t spend much time learning about the traditions and culture surrounding Mardi Gras during her childhood. Depending on the city or day, some venues for the Mardi Gros celebrations were less than family-friendly. However, Blynda was always attracted to and intrigued by the colors of Mardi Gras and the varied cultures, food, and music of Louisiana. She also had an artistic/creative bent that ranged from singing to baking to painting. Putting all that creativity into collegiate studies, she graduated with an art degree from McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
Blynda’s parents, Don and Beverly Brown, relocated to Texas in 1994. As a single mother of three in need of family support, Blynda followed her parents to McKinney in April 1998. The Brown family now boasts five generations of McKinney residents!
Soon after, Blynda Christian discovered The Artist’s Way (a Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity) by Julia Cameron. She completed the 12-week course and was changed by it. Her love of art spilled over into the desire to share and teach art and, through that, expose others to various cultures. She began to facilitate The Artist’s Way study and teach art from her home.
In Nov. 2002, with eight students, Christian opened a 400 square foot studio on Chestnut St. The Art Institute of McKinney (AIM) was a leap of faith to make art available to all ages using different types of media. That humble beginning later turned into a 1,200 square foot studio on Kentucky Ave with an annual enrollment of over 1,000 students.
During this time, Blynda had a crazy brainstorming session with her Aunt Arlene. The talk turned to how nothing was going on to involve and engage local families. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas had passed – it was cold and dull in North Texas. The twosome decided McKinney could use a dose of Mardi Gras. A press release featuring Christian’s chocolate lab, Lady Godiva, decked out with Mardi Gras beads and tiara, was sent out. Every local paper picked up the story. Thus, the first McKinney Krewe of Barkus parade was held.
In 2005, the event had grown to the point there was a need to block streets for the parade calling for the involvement and cooperation of Downtown McKinney and law enforcement. Over the years, there have been parade days with beautiful, even balmy weather, and days with frigid temps, high winds, ice, and snow. But as they say, “the show, ummm, parade must go on!” The 2020 parade happened just before the COVID shutdown. But even COVID couldn’t keep us down! The 2021 parade happened virtually with a Facebook Live slide show and prize announcements.
The parades themselves have evolved over time. The first couple of parades simply had a Mardi Gras theme. Participants (human and doggo) dressed up and pushed, pulled, or rode in small floats decorated in Mardi Gras colors. In 2007 a twist was added, and the parade revolved around a particular theme – Barkus Goes to Hollywood. A Great Dane dressed like Tom Cruise in Risky Business stole the show. Each year since has had a unique theme including themes like Fairy Tails & Love Stories and Puppies Go Pop-Star. Christian keeps a list of ideas, and no one knows the following year’s theme until she announces it at the parade’s end after prizes have been awarded. Until this 20th anniversary year, there has not been a repeat. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, however, 2022’s theme is “A Walk Down Memory Lane.” Contestants are encouraged to choose their favorite theme from years past.
Blynda Christian has been involved in Art for the Heart (for Katrina survivors), Second Saturday Art on the Square, and Arts in Bloom events through the years. In 2021, Christian sat on the board and served on a committee for McKinney’s first Dia de Los Muertos celebration. Her love of art, of Louisiana, of Texas, and of community shine through in all of these endeavors. But none more so than The Krewe Of Barkus parade, a tradition 20 years long and still going strong.
