FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Press – Robyn Bushong, 409.744.7848
Email: rbush1147@aol.com
Contact: Public –
Galveston Island Humane
Society – 409.740.1919;
Email: info@galvestonhumane.org
"DISCO PAWS” THEME FOR 17th ANNUAL KREWE OF BARKUS & MEOUX
MARDI GRAS PARADE, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH
GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS (1 January 2015.) The 17th annual Krewe of Barkus &
Meoux Parade, sponsored by the Galveston Island Humane Society, is set for Sunday, February
15th - beginning at 1pm. Promoting the theme “Disco Paws”, this popular Mardi Gras event will
kick off from 28th 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 Marshall is
"Bernard", winner of the coveted Pet of the Year title from the 2014 Paws Gala and his family,
Ryanne Duzich and TJ Culberson. Sponsored by and benefitting exclusively the Galveston
Island Humane Society (GIHS), proceeds from the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade will be
dedicated to the shelter’s on-going Spay/Neuter assistance programs, including their “Fix a Pit”
and the feral cat TNR programs. Last year the parade hosted over 300 pets in this fun, family
Mardi Gras event.
Advance registration is $20 per pet - if pre-registered by close of business on Monday, February
2nd. Day- of- parade registration is $30 per pet. Check in and on-site registration will begin at
11am at 28th and Seawall Boulevard. Participants must provide a current rabies certificate to
verify that vaccinations are up to date for each pet. All walking pets 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
begin at 11:30 (28th and Seawall Blvd). Winners of the contest will be announced and ribbons
awarded prior to the start of the parade.
Parade participants who wish to throw beads will be required to bring their own supply. Beads
will not be provided. Note: Candy may not be thrown as this could be a health concern for the
participating pets. Consider the weather, and bring water for your pet as needed. Water for
humans and pets will be provided at conclusion of the parade. Owners are encouraged to be
aware of pets’ needs and if their animal becomes distressed or overheated, they should drop out
of the parade immediately.
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
$30 per organization and requires a representative of the animal welfare organization to contact
GIHS in advance to make reservations to participate. All stated health requirements apply. To
request a registration form or for more information about the parade, call the GIHS office at
409.740.1919 or register online at www.galvestonhumane.org.
The Galveston Island Humane Society is located 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.
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO ATTACHED
The 17th Annual Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade -with the Disco Paws theme -is set for
Sunday, February 15th. Pictured is Parade Marshall "Bernard", winner of the coveted Pet
of the Year title from the 2014 Paws Gala and his family, TJ Culberson and Ryanne
Duzich. Sponsored by and benefitting the Galveston Island Humane Society, the Parade
will begin at 1pm at 28th and Seawall Blvd and disband at 46th & Seawall. Advance
registration is $20; on-site registration, $30. For more information and to inquire about
the costume contest, required vaccinations, etc., please contact GIHS office at 409.740.1919
or visit on line, www.galvestonhumane.org or email inquiries to
info@galvestonhumane.org. (photo by Robyn Bushong.)
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