----Mystic Krewe of Barkus
On January 27, 2002 watch out for one of Mardi Gras' most unusual parades - the 1,500 or so dogs of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus! They're all in costume, some are on homemade floats, and all are tail-wagging excited to be marching through the streets.

Everything kicks off at the Louis Armstrong Park on North Rampart at 10:30 a.m. with a open-air party, complete with great music. Then, at 2 p.m. the parade takes off, winding its way through 15 blocks of the French Quarter before the Krewe lines the street below the balcony of the Good Friends Bar at 740 Dauphine Street to salute the Royal Court.

You and your Fido can sign up to join in the parade right up till the 27th. Depending on when you join, cost is between $30 and $40. Just go to their website (http://www.barkus.org/) and give 'em a call!