Press Release
For Immediate Release
(985) 892-0060
January 1, 2008
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 2008's parade as "Mardi Paws Celebrates It’s A Dog’s Life!” Dogs throughout the parish barked their opinion on the theme, and the officers of the Krewe seconded it.

An invitation was extended to animal lovers throughout the parish to join them in the fun and festivities of the 13th annual Mardi Paws Celebration to be held on the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, February 10th, 2008. 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.

The parade will roll on the Mandeville Lakefront promptly at 2:00pm. Same-day registration will take place at the Mandeville Harbor at 12:30pm, with a costume contest occurring in the parade line-up before the parade rolls.

2008 marks a milestone in that the parade will finally move off the bike path onto Lakeshore Drive. This will greatly alleviate the congestion of the route, and the lengthy wait in line!

Another first this year is a special microchip and registration offer for parade day! Mardi Paws has teamed up with Dr. G’s Mobile Veterinary Clinic and microchip leader HomeAgain to offer a special reduced rate of $35 for your pet to be micro chipped and registered in the national database. Please visit the link on this website for them “Microchip – Parade Special” for more information.

The Reviewing Stand will be at 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 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.