Press Release
For Immediate Release
(985) 892-0060
January 1, 2009
denise@haveaheartthruart.com

Captains of the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws donned their sequined best to announce plans for this year's beloved carnival parade. The captains, whose identities are a closely guarded secret in the organization, proclaimed the theme of 2009's parade as "Mardi Paws Tunes in to TV!”

An invitation was extended to animal lovers throughout the parish to join them in the fun and festivities of the 14th annual Mardi Paws Celebration to be held on the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Noted carnival historian, Arthur Hardy, gives us credit for being the only krewe to parade after Fat Tuesday, thus avoiding 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 a fun-filled family event while the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws channel surfs and brings you the best of television

There are many ways to explore this year's theme, just un-leash your imagination to showcase your favorite TV show, cartoon, or movie!

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

The krewe will continue to parade on the street, Lakeshore Drive, just as in 2008.

But, in addition, the route will be barricaded from most of the way, about the width of one lane of traffic!

These improvements will greatly alleviate the congestion of the route, and the lengthy wait in line!

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.).

The Reviewing Stand will be back at the Gazebo at the end of Lafitte Street. This is where the coronation will be officiated by long-time parade supporter and Master of Ceremonies, Alan Avdoyan. And of course, this is where 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. Plus, our agility course will be back!

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.

Parade proceeds benefit two of the Northshore's non-profits, Have a Heart thru Art & The St. Tammany Spay/Neuter Program. The parade serves underprivileged and disabled children and animals throughout St. Tammany Parish.

New this year will be multiple food booths along the lakefront benefiting other non-profits in the area. Details will be announced soon.