Parading pooches, food and fun on Main Street

For the third year in a row, a pack of festive pups and their people will turn downtown Little Rock's Main Street into a canine bonanza.

It's time for Barkus on Main, a Mardi Gras-theme celebration that's for the dogs and people who love dogs -- and maybe a random cat. It's set for noon-5 p.m. Sunday along Little Rock's so-called Creative Corridor.

The highlight of Barkus is the 2:30 p.m. pet parade, in which costumed dogs and their humans make their way from Seventh Street north to Third Street, with lots of beads and happy barks along the way. Prizes are awarded for best pet/owner look-a-like, best dressed pet, best small dog costume, best large dog costume, most original costume, best float and judge's choice.

"The idea is that we're going to line up the best, brightest and most colorfully costumed dogs," says Anderson Penix, communications director with Downtown Little Rock Partnership, which puts on the dog -- er, the event.

Those who register by Friday will pay $20 and receive a free day of doggie day care at any Hounds Lounge Pet Resort & Spa; there will also be on-site registration for $25.

"We'll be happy to accept them and get them into the parade so they can be showered with beads or shower the crowd with beads," Penix says.

Penix does say that it's not always just dogs.

"Someone brave brought an equally brave cat one year. It just kind of hunkered on his shoulder. He seemed to enjoy himself."

The parade's not the only action that will happen on Main Street. Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe will supply Cajun-style tunes as attendees enjoy the Rebel Kettle Brewing Co.'s beer garden, opt for a drink at the hurricane station and eat gumbo and crawfish.

As with last year, AMR Architects is putting a very special doghouse up for raffle, with the drawing taking place right before the costume awards. Tickets and a chance to preview the house will be available at Hounds Lounge locations in Little Rock and North Little Rock and at the Bark Bar in downtown Little Rock.

And they're beefing up the number of vendors and exhibitors.

People who want to put their pooches through their paces -- or just watch other dogs give it a try -- can visit the agility course. "[The agility course] is for those interested in playing out the dog show vibe and see how well their dogs can do in a timed scenario. It's something fun people can do between having a beer and grabbing some gumbo," Penix says.

There are rules involved. Floats can't be motorized. All dogs must be on leashes. Humans can be off the leash but will be expected to be on their best behavior.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the MacArthur Park Dog Park.

Penix adds, "The purpose is to celebrate downtown's dog community, to highlight how fun downtown can be for humans but also what a great area it can be for the whole family -- pet parents and their pooches."

Weekend on 03/28/2019