Sunday Afternoon in the Park:) McKinney Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera

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I was honored to be one of the judges for the 15th Annual Krewe of Barkus Mardis Gras Dog Parade on the square. Lynne, Jessica, and I had a tough time deciding winners among the many fabulous entries. The founder and talented energizer bunny, Blynda Christian, works diligently with the city and business owners of McKinney, to put on an amazing family and dog friendly event.

Me, Blynda, and Lynne.

Now, for some of the winners. The theme this year  was famous or should we say, infamous villains. Owners and pets alike dressed up, many with homemade costumes, many creative floats and props. It was a fun afternoon.

The Best of Show Winners. The Valencia family. They always go all out creating costumes and floats. 

A generous donation was made to the McKinney PD K-9 unit. Accepting was Randy Pogue (L) and Mayor Brian Loughmiller. (R)

A few more winners…

There was a great turn out, despite cloudy threatening skies and cool temperatures. The street was blocked off and hundreds of spectators lined the parade route.

McKinney, Unique by Nature, the city’s motto and true definition of the town and the people.

Super Busy Sunday:) Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade

“Joyful, joyful, joyful, as only dogs know how to be happy with only the autonomy

of their shameless spirit.” 

― Pablo Neruda

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A wonderful afternoon on the Square in downtown Mckinney. The streets were packed with packs of dogs and their owners for the Krewe of Barkus Mardi Gras Dog Parade. The theme this year was literary characters. Dogs and owners dressed as characters from famous books. Mitchell Park was teeming with vendors and visitors, music and marvelous costumed contestants.

This was the 13th annual parade, founded and coordinated by my friend, Blynda Christian, is a McKinney tradition. Hundreds of people and doggies descended on the square to participate in or watch the parade. It was a gorgeous sunny day.

   
    
    
   
   
 
The best part was, I had the privilege and honor of being one of the three judges for the second year in a row. It was very fun, but very difficult to choose amongst all the creative costumes and adorable dogs.

  
 
A Great Dane Day was had by all! Especially me!

  
Thanks for the photo, Michael Murphy.

Sunday: Salute to Everything French- Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.”
― Milan Kundera
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When I was asked to be one of the judges for McKinney’s annual Krewe of Barkus Dog Parade, I was thrilled. I’ve gone to the parade many times, but never realized how difficult it would be to decide the winners. There were so many fun and fabulous costumes and floats. The two legged contestants/owners were just as amazing as the four legged entries.

I’ll just show you the Best of Show Winners and then a variety of other winners and entries. Too many great pictures, too little time.

Best of Show: “Let Them Eat Cake” Twinkle & Cricket, toy poodles, were pieces of cake. Kate Peabody (7) was Marie Antoinette, the adults were pastry chefs and pulled a gigantic cake.

The weather was cooperative, even though dark cloudy skies threatened rain. It was a delightful doggie day on the Square in McKinney. Thank you Blynda Christian for asking me to be a judge. Thank you Miss Kathy White from Sweet Spot Bakery for bringing me hot chocolate, and thanks to the contestants that bribed us with chocolates, candy, Mardis Gras beads, and various snacks and treats. Everyone was a winner!