Mardi Gras has gone to the Dogs!
In the Fall of 2010, a group of animal-loving, fun-loving folks in the small, coastal town of Apalachicola, Florida, decided to renew an old tradition. At the dawn of the 20th Century, Apalachicola celebrated Mardi Gras in much the same way as other bigger Gulf cities like New Orleans and Mobile. This tradition eventually fell by the wayside. But Mardi Gras in Apalachicola has made a comeback in the form of a “Barkus” Parade, a procession of costumed canines and their owners, Zydeco music, and lots of beads.
The annual Apalachicola Mardi Gras Barkus Parade is held the last Saturday of February in downtown Apalachicola starting at 1:00 pm. Each year there is a unique and fun theme for costumes and decorations. Come and celebrate Mardi Gras Apalach style with a street festival and parade of costumed folks and their dogs. The festivities will start at 11:00 am at Riverfront Park with live entertainment, local food vendors and a variety of arts and craft vendors to enjoy while strolling through the park. The parade of costumed dogs and their people, decorated golf carts and boats, and walkers begins at 1:00 pm. The parade begins at Riverfront Park and winds through town, ending back at the park where the party will continue.
The King and Queen of Apalachicola’s Mardi Gras parade are always shelter animals who are ready for a forever home. As always, they will have a place of honor in the parade.
In the tradition of the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers, profits from the parade will be donated to help care for the animals of the Forgotten Coast of Florida.
For this year’s theme and additional information, check us out on our website: http://saltybarkers.com/ or on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MardiGrasBarkusParade/. Other questions? Contact us at 850-624-8085 or apalachdogs@gmail.com.
In addition to private events, the Krewe participates in other parades and hosts fundraisers. Membership is open to anyone who loves animals and likes to have fun.
Lassiez Les BONE Temps Rouler
Categories: Festivals, Non-Profits, Organizations
