It's a Pet-rifying Mardi Gras Celebration, Paw-sitively
Carlos, the Canine Star of "MAX" and "MAX 2: White House Hero," Will Reign as Celebrity K9 and Lead the Pack for the 29th Annual Mardi Paws Parade February 26
Here's what to expect during Mardi Gras: the yearly " "Mardi Paws" Parade is the best event to attend if you want to have a roaring good time that will make your hair stand on end (when it isn't falling out).
A 30-minute drive north of New Orleans in St. Tammany Parish, the celebration takes place each year towards the conclusion of the Carnival season in Covington, Louisiana. The gathering this year, "Mardi Paws: Tails from the Barkside," will start at 2 p.m. on February 26. Since it is the weekend after Fat Tuesday, there won't be any conflicts with other regional parades.
The fact that this parade's participants are dogs, accompanied by their owners in a spook-tacular display that will truly put the "wow" in "bow wow," sets it distinct from all the others that take place throughout the Carnival season. In the mob of admirers, participants fling cups, beads, doubloons, and plush animals (watch out for flying cats!). Onlookers enthusiastically collect the objects and hold out hope for catching one of the coveted glittery doggy excrement balls thrown by the canine court.
Four-legged participants must dress up in accordance with the event's "Tails from the Barkside" theme. At the Post-Parade Pawty on Sunday, March 12 at Adventure Pet, prizes will be given out by a team of experienced judges who are looking forward to witnessing the drooling dead, wagging wizards, and barking creatures. The top retrievers will take home "poop awards."
Carlos, the canine actor from "Max" and "Max 2: White House Hero," will serve as the 2023 K9 Grand Marshal. The famous canine portrayed a military service dog working with the Marines in Afghanistan who, after a terrible event, returns to the United States and is adopted by his handler's family. In Folsom, Louisiana, Belgian Malinois puppy Carlos, age 11, resides with his father, retired U.S. Marine Mike Storms, and his family.
Although they may also register on-site on February 26, parade participants can pre-register at www.MardiPaws.com. This year, registration is $25 per dog and includes unlimited human escorts. Participants on two legs are also asked to dress appropriately for the theme. Both human and canine viewers are invited, as well as "pup"-parazzi who wish to get a sight of the famous K9.
Since its founding in 1994, the Krewe of Mardi Paws has served as a fundraiser for local charities that assist children and dogs. The 2023 parade's proceeds will go to Scott's Wish, volunteers who have been assisting people and animals since 2008. For more information about the parade or to pre-register, please visit www.MardiPaws.com.
*About Scotts Wish
In order to improve the lives of both people and animals, Scott's Wish is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is entirely administered by volunteers. Almost every dollar received is used to aid sick and needy people as well as animals, both locally in St. Tammany Parish and outside. Since its founding in 2008, the organization—named in honor of Scott Lala—has been promoting goodness, help, hope, and joy. All ages of people dealing with ALS, organ transplants, cancer therapy, and birth deformities are helped through Scott's Wish. For families suffering with challenging medical conditions, the nonprofit fills gaps in financial need by helping with travel, auto repairs, clothing, and supplies.
The St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, a no-kill shelter that never turns an animal away, and "In Honor of Duco," which honors the elite canines who play crucial roles in the U.S. military and who need specialized medical care after their years of service, are two beneficiaries who care about pets. The money donated through Scott's Wish enables the shelter to provide life-saving medical care, adoption programs, and ground and air transportation to permanent homes. For more information about the organization, please visit scottswish.org.
