The City of Mandeville and the Old Mandeville Business Association presents a new dog parade on Lakeshore Drive in Old Mandeville. The inaugural Krewe Du Pooch Parade will take place on Saturday, February 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Rain Date: March 7).

The 2020 parade theme is "Dressed to the #9s," giving A nod to #9 Drew Brees and Joe Burrow, and our Louisiana football culture. Participants and their pooches are encouraged to come dressed in LSU or Saints football theme.

The day will begin with a costume contest and judging at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., which will determine the King, Queen and Royal Court of Krewe Du Pooch 2020. The winners will be recognized in the parade and will receive awards as well.

Celebrity judges for the costume contest include former Saints football player Michael Mauti and local chef Pat Gallagher, with others to be announced. The walking parade will commence at 2:00 p.m. from the Mandeville Lakefront Splash Park and will end at Lafitte Street near The Barley Oak. The fun will continue until 6:00 p.m. with food and drinks, vendors, pet adoptions and entertainment along the lakefront and at surrounding businesses.

“We expect Krewe Du Pooch to become another beloved event on the Northshore, but also a touchstone for our local animal rescue community. Dozens of nonprofits, rescue organizations and vendors will exhibit at this event, helping to raise awareness for the plight of these animals,” says Dr. Liza Ledet, OMBA president and owner of Mandeville Animal Hospital.

Dog owners can register to participate in the parade and costume contest online at krewedupooch.org, or on site at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on February 29th. Registration is $25 per participating dog, which allows for up to five handlers.

Through a grant application process, proceeds from Krewe DuPooch will be distributed among local and regional animal welfare organizations. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits are encouraged to apply online for grant funding. Vendor applications are also available online for local businesses who provide pet-related products and would like to exhibit at the event.

For more information on Krewe Du Pooch, to become a sponsor, vendor or participant, or to contact via email, visit www.krewedupooch.org.