Barkus on Main to roll out good times at debut event

This weekend, Little Rock is embracing the spirit of "laissez les bon temps roulez." And this year, for the first time, that will include dogs too.

The Downtown Little Rock Partnership is presenting the inaugural Barkus on Main, "a Mardi Gras parade of pet proportions," on Sunday. There's already a Mardi Gras parade on South Main Street on Saturday, but this one will have its own pet-centric theme.

"We're just going to create a fun atmosphere downtown," says Executive Director Gabe Holmstrom. "We hope people bring their families out and have a good time."

The idea came, Holmstrom says, from Jason Polk of Rebel Kettle Brewery, who recalled the Mardi Gras events he'd attended in Louisiana that "are family-friendly and attract a lot of excitement and interest. Everybody liked that idea and we just ran with it."

It all starts with registration at 1 p.m. followed by the pet parade at 2 from Sixth and Main streets to the 300 block of Main.

There will be prizes awarded in seven categories: Best Pet/Owner Look Alike, Best Dressed Pet, Best Small Dog Costume, Best Large Dog Costume, Most Original Costume, Best Float and Judge's Choice.

There are certain rules to keep in mind. For instance, all pets must be on a leash and in costume, all floats must have at least one pet and owners must clean up after their pets.

And, Holmstrom says, the pets must be dogs: "No llamas or crocodiles."

After the short parade, everyone can make their way to the big block party in the 300 block with music by the Big John Miller Band. Food will be sold, including gumbo at Soul Fish Cafe and a crawfish boil at Club Level. The over-21 crowd can order drinks at the beer garden and the hurricane station.

The highlight, though, is expected to be the glittering, well-dressed pups prancing through downtown Little Rock, celebrating the forthcoming Fat Tuesday in their fancy best.

Holmstrom says, "We have had a lot of interest from pet lovers and they're busy decorating and designing their costumes for the event. We really want to make this a fun time and fun atmosphere and encourage people to come out and participate and be part of this inaugural event."

Weekend on 02/23/2017