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Mardi Paws rolled Sun, February 26th, 2012 @ 2:00pm

Thanks for coming out to the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, February 26th and experiencing a fun-filled family event while the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws rolled to the 2012 theme – “Mardi Paws goes BARK IN TIME!”

There were many ways to explore this year's theme, and every krewe member truly un-leashed their imagination to create a parade full of incredible floats and costumes! The ten judges certainly have their hands full trying to make their decision on the costume contest winners this year.

Costume Contest Winners have been posted on our Facebook Page (link at left) and on this site under the "Costume Contest" page.

Everyone is invited to attend our Post-Parade Awards Pawty on Sat., March 10th, from 1-3pm at our new den in Mandeville, Zorro's FUNzone,located at 924 Girod St. Please RSVP (985)778-2000 if you plan to attend so we have plenty of food & drinks!

Costume Contest Winners will receive the coveted "poop" trophy by local artist Ted Pullig of Zorro's in addition to great prize packages. Check out all the details on our Costume Contest page!

Once again, thanks for bringing your pooch out to parade, and supporting three of the Northshore's leading non-profits aimed toward helping children and animals alike- Have a Heart thru Art, Scott’s Wish & the St. Tammany Spay & Neuter Program.

  © Mardi Paws is a registered trademark of Have a Heart Thru Art and may not be used without permission.

2012 Announcement

Press Release

For Immediate Release

985-892-0060

January 1, 2012

Denise@HaveaHeartThruArt.com

2012 Theme: “Mardi Paws goes BARK IN TIME!”

Captains of the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws donned their sequined best to announce plans for this year's beloved carnival parade. The announcement came on Sat. December 3rd at the Grand Opening of Zorro’s FUNzone in Old Mandeville, the krewe’s new Den.  The captains, whose identities are a closely guarded secret in the organization, proclaimed the theme of 2012’s parade as "Mardi Paws goes BARK IN TIME!”, and gave credit to Dave Evans for “sniffing” out this fun theme!

An invitation was extended to animal lovers throughout the area to join them in the fun and festivities of the 16th annual Mardi Paws Celebration to be held on the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, February 26th, 2012. Noted carnival historian, Arthur Hardy, gives us credit for being the only krewe to parade after Fat Tuesday to avoid any competition!

The Mardi Gras "Walking Parade" features canines and their families in costume. Last year's event proved to be a highlight of the carnival season for adults and children alike. Come out to the Mandeville Lakefront to experience thus fun-filled family event!

The parade will roll on the Mandeville Lakefront promptly at 2:00pm with same-day registration taking place at the Mandeville Harbor at 12:30pm.

The krewe will continue to parade on the street, Lakeshore Drive, just as in 2011. The parade will move from the street and on to the bike path via a ramp at Girod Street and finish up at the Gazebo (Lafitte St/Lakeshore Dr.). Once on the bike path, the route will continue to be barricaded for most of the way. These improvements greatly alleviated the congestion of the route, and the lengthy wait in line!

The Reviewing Stand is near the Gazebo at the end of Lafitte Street. This is where the coronation will be officiated, and the ceremonial toast with Red Dog Beer occurs.

A Post-Parade Extravaganza will take place on the Lakefront at the parade's end featuring food, fun, music and booths.

The theme throws this year will include the special, rare, gold dog dropping given out by the royals, the purple dog droppings thrown by past royalty, and this year a limited number of special beads will be unleashed. Stuffed animals (almost always cats), beads, cups and doubloons will also be thrown.

The registration fee is $15 per dog, with a group discount of $45 for 3 or more dogs - but they must be from the same household!

Parade proceeds benefit three of the Northshore's non-profits, Have a Heart thru Art, Scott’s Wish & The St. Tammany Spay/Neuter Program. The parade serves underprivileged and disabled children and animals throughout St. Tammany Parish. Registration proceeds benefit Have a Heart thru Art, and multiple food booths along the lakefront benefit Scott’s Wish and the St. Tammany Spay and Neuter Group. Please support them!

Rain date: Sunday, March 4th, 2012

For registration forms, more information or directions, please call Have a Heart thru Art @ 985-892-0060 or

the St. Tammany Tourist Office at 1-800-634-9443.

Check our FB page for Parade Photos!

    A big thanks from the organizers of the Mardi Paws parade to everyone who came out this year and supported the parade and the

3 non-profits it benefits!

    Everyone looked fantastic and we have never had so many positive comments from parade watchers about the elaborate floats & costumes.

    We truly appreciate your

patience with the lines and

your contribution to the parade.

    Please  post your photos on our Facebook page and let us know you enjoyed yourselves!