SPECIAL EVENTS

The 13th annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade, sponsored by the Galveston Island Humane Society, is set for Sunday, March 6th - beginning at 1pm.

Promoting the theme “A Wonderful World of Paws…. There’s No Place Like A Home “,this popular Mardi Gras event will kick off from 27th and Seawall Blvd and continue west to 46th and Seawall Blvd, before disbanding in the parking lot of the Academy Sports and Outdoor store. Parade Marshalls – for this event that honors the animals - will include Dorothy and Toto who will lead pets and their humans down the parade route. Ginger Herter with King George (the GIHS Pet of the Year crowned at the Shelter’s annual Paws Gala), will follow the parade marshals.

Sponsored by and benefiting exclusively the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS), proceeds from the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade will be dedicated to the organization’s many spay/neuter programs implemented to decrease the number of unwanted pets on the island.

Advance registration is $20 per pet – with deadline for advance reservation by close of business on Wednesday, March 2nd. The first 300 entries are guaranteed a colorful 2011 custom-designed parade T-shirt. Day- of- parade registration is $30 per pet. Each pet owner will receive a wrist band as proof of entry and a surprise gift. Proof of current rabies vaccinations is required for each entry and all pets walking must be on a leash no longer than six feet. No retractable leashes will be allowed. Both pets and pet owners are encouraged to be dressed in Mardi Gras costume, with a special costume contest and judging scheduled to take place prior to the start of the parade. Winners of the contest will be announced and recognized at the conclusion of the parade in the staging/tent area in the Academy parking lot. Beads will not be provided. Parade participants who wish to throw beads will be required to bring their own supply. This is a long parade, and owners are encouraged to discontinue participation in the parade if their animal becomes distressed or overheated.

In the spirit of Mardi Gras, the Galveston Island Humane Society also extends an invitation to any animal rescue organization in the area to participate. The fee is a minimum contribution of $25 per organization and requires a representative of the animal welfare organization to contact GIHS in advance to make reservations to participate.

Check in and on-site registration will begin at 11am in the open lot at 26th and Seawall Boulevard. To request a registration form or for more information about the parade, contact the GIHS at 409.740.1919, or register online at www.galvestonhumane.org.

The Galveston Island Humane Society has recently reopened in its new, expanded facility at 6814 Broadway. Shelter hours are 11-6, Monday- Friday; 11-5, Saturday; closed Sunday. For more information concerning adoption and the many community programs sponsored by GIHS, email inquiries to info@galvestonhumane.org,  or call the Shelter office at 409.740.1919.