Life of the Paw-ty
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Every year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, McKinney residents and their dogs head downtown for the annual Krewe of Barkus dog parade, modeled after New Orleans’ Mardi Gras dog parade of the same name. Owners dress their dogs—and themselves—in extravagant costumes and march around the square as a crowd of 5,000 humans applaud their creativity. After the parade, everyone heads to Mitchell Park for the dog costume contest and to shop from vendors selling canine goods.
Louisiana transplant Blynda Christian started the parade in the early 2000s to bring Mardi Gras to McKinney and Louisianan culture to Texas. “It’s a feel-good kind of day, and Mardi Gras is always a bright spot after the holidays and during the cold winter months,” Christian says. The inaugural parade featured about 25 dogs. Now, about 200 dogs stroll through the streets each year.
This year’s 20th anniversary theme is “A Trip Down Memory Lane,” and participants are encouraged to dress themselves and their dogs in their favorite theme from parades past. These themes include famous literary characters; classic television shows; favorite villains; and presidents, pioneers, and “pawtriots.” Three judges award winners in the categories of Best in Show, Most Creative, and Best Dog-Owner Combo, and local merchants provide thousands of dollars in prizes. “It’s become one of the most beloved festivals we have,” Christian says. “There’s nothing in the world like dog people.”—Amanda Ogle
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Feb. 18-19
Polish your boots and brush off your best hat. The Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering has been preserving Western culture for 36 years with some of the best cowboy poets and musicians in the country. The free shows, chuckwagon breakfast, and openmic sessions promise to be better than ever. Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison St. 432-216-2167; lonestarcowboypoetry.com
DEL RIO
The Border To Badlands Ultra Race
Feb. 26
Experience the desert’s distinctive wildlife and flora, be inspired by the incredible views of Seminole Canyon meeting the Rio Grande, and see cave art at a distance as you traverse this loop course over technical single-track trail and backcountry roads. Race routes vary from 5K to 50 miles. Seminole Canyon. runguides.com/event/12658/the-border-to-badlands-ultra
EL PASO
Shen Yun
Feb. 5
Experience ancient China. Shen Yun’s artistic vision expands theatrics into a multidimensional journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient dance systems—classical Chinese dance—along with animated backdrops and original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a bygone civilization. The Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. 877-663-7469; shenyun.com/el-paso
EL PASO
El Paso Marathon and Half Marathon
Feb. 13
This Boston Marathon qualifier begins on El Paso’s east side and travels thorough various parts of the city. Runners enjoy sunrise over the Hueco Mountains as well as striking views of the colorful Chihuahuan Desert. The event also has a half marathon and a 5K run/walk. Various locations. elpasomarathon.org
ODESSA
Midessa Boat, RV, Sport, and Gun Show
Feb. 11-13
Check out new model boats and RVs, plus shop at the gun show and various vendors. The show includes seven buildings on 42 acres with everything indoors. Ector County Coliseum Complex, 4201 Andrews Highway. 432-770-5165; midessaboatshow.com
GULF COAST
ANGLETON
Cowboy Up
Feb. 5
Become a cowboy for a day as you learn to rope cattle, sample Dutch oven cooking, play games, and embrace the history and culture of cowboys, from trail drives to ranching. Brazoria County Fairgrounds, 901 S. Downing St. 979-864-1208; bchm.org
BEAUMONT
Mardi Gras
