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.

Tuesday:) Time to Take a Stand, Time to Honor Good People

“When you stand up for what’s right, you never take a back seat.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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“Giving up doesn’t define you, but how you stand in every choice and fight in every decision you’ve made reflects your character.” ― Carl Lomer Abia

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The residents of McKinney, Texas have a strong sense of community. It’s a large city with a small town feel. Named the #1 place to live, and ironically, one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the reason for this honor has little to do with money. It has everything to do with the people who live and work here.

Today, I attended the McKinney City Council Meeting along with a packed room of concerned citizens. I was there to voice my concern about the council possibly rejecting a parade street closure permit for the 14 Annual Krewe of Barkus Parade on the square. My friend, Blynda Christian, had called me and asked for my support. Blynda, the founder of the very popular doggie parade, asked her friends to speak at the council meeting, and also stir up some support on Facebook. She is a good friend and has done a lot for the city. 

What was exciting is, before the regular session started, the Mayor had awards and proclamations to present. There was a large police and firefighter presence standing in the back of the room. Officer Maureen “Mo” Messner was presented a certificate and Decemebr 5th was officially proclaimed Officer Maureen Messner Day. Officer Messner saved many school children at a crosswalk when an out of control car went over the sidewalk towards the children. She ran over, leapt into and stopped the moving car, helping the unconscious pregnant woman, breaking a rib during the rescue. 

  
Officer Messner received a standing ovation. (Sorry, blurry picture. I was busy applauding.)

  
The fire department was also honored for their rescues during the recent flooding. 

When it was time for resident comments, there was a stack of cards of those wanting to speak. Mayor Loughmiller said he would randomly call names to come to the podium. Guess who gets called first? Moi! I started by thanking the council for their support and always listening to the concerns of the residents and voting accordingly. I didn’t have any notes, nor read from a well rehearsed script. I just spoke my mind, and explained how the parade is part of the many things that makes McKinney so special. Blynda and several others spoke, and I believe the council will fully support the venue. 

   
 
My voice didn’t shake, and I believe I spoke well, but my face always flushes a bit when I speak in a crowd. Not because I’m afraid, but rather because I am fervent about my subject.  I think it’s important to support your friends, your city, and speak your mind. That’s the definition of community.  

   
 
Blynda Christian knows that Mayor Brian Loughmiller supports the Krewe of Barkus. He and his family often bring their dog to watch the parade. 

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!