The Krewe of Barkus, the much-loved family-friendly parade of costumed dogs, has announced the theme for its 2019 celebration: “The Big Bark Theory: Barkus Goes to Comic Con.” Hailing both the nerdy sitcom and the annual convention of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy fans, this year’s parade promises to showcase the city’s cutest pups, all dressed as our favorite superheroes and comic book characters.
The Parade Pawty starts on Sunday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Armstrong Park. At noon, the Costume Promenade will give spectators and other krewe members a chance to see all the canine costume creations. The introduction of the King of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus and his Queen and any Royal Court present takes place at 1 p.m., and the parade begins at 2 p.m. The parade will follow a 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, on the corner Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs will toast the Royal Court.
Founded in 1993, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus is the only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans for canines. The non-profit was envisioned and formed in 1992 at a meeting of the WDSU-TV Weather Anchor Margaret Orr Fan Club at Good Friends Bar. Thomas Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where there were complaints about her neuroticism. To get back at them all, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood the queen of her parade and captain-for-life. Thus, the Krewe of Barkus was born. Past years’ themes have included “Game of Bones: Barkus Marks Its Territory,” “Bark Wars: The Return of the K9,” “Dogzilla,” “Tails & Tiaras, Here Comes Honey Bow Wow,” and “Mission Impossible: Canine Protocol,” as Barkus strives to elicit creativity from participants.
Barkus hosts a before and after “Pawty in the Park” at Louis Armstrong Park, from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., featuring live entertainment, cash bars, food vendors, sponsor tents, and more. The Streetcar Strutters and the Organ Grinders will be supporting Barkus and marching in the parade as well.
Online registration is open now. Hail Barkus!
