The Northshore’s Krewe Du Pooch is going virtual in 2021 with a Costume Contest, Fun Run/Walk, and 5K Race. The event is being co-hosted by the Old Mandeville Business Association (OMBA) and the City of Mandeville, and the theme is: “Go Dog Go and other Dr. Seuss favorites!” The Krewe, which hosted its inaugural parade and costume contest in 2020, supports a number of animal charities in the Greater New Orleans area.

“Like most Mardi Gras celebrations this year, Krewe du Pooch’s parade and other fun activities will be virtual to help protect citizens and slow the spread of COVID-19,” says Krewe Committee Chair Dr. Andre Judice. “We encourage the community to get especially creative this year! Start a fun run team with your family members or colleagues, or compete against a friend to see who has the best race time or raises the most money. There are countless ways to have fun and support our local animal charities through this event!”

Participants can sign up online before February 20, 2021, to conduct their own Fun Run/Walk ($25 per registrant) or 5K Race ($29 per registrant). Participants can complete their run/walk or 5K with their pet(s) – from anywhere in the world and at any time between January 6 and February 20, 2021. 

Participants are encouraged to support their favorite local animal charity by also gathering donations or sponsorships from their friends, family, and business associates. They can also document their Fun Run/Walk or 5K by taking pictures and sharing them on Facebook and Instagram so that Krewe Du Pooch can cheer them on and recognize their efforts. Each participant will post their final results/time in the online portal at www.krewedupooch.org. All participants will receive a fun swag bag for their participation.

Costume contest participants must dress according to this year’s Krewe Du Pooch theme, “Go Dog Go and other Dr. Seuss favorites.” Entry into the costume contest is free. Entrants must submit the costume contest entry form, along with a video of their pet(s) in costume. Handlers are encouraged to get dressed up as well. In the video, the handler must state their name, their pet’s name, an explanation of the costume, and any other pertinent details they’d like to point out. Entrants must submit their completed form and video by email to [email protected] by February 8, 2021.

A panel of judges will select the costume contest finalists, and post them on Facebook after February 8, at which time the general public will be able to vote to determine the King, Queen, and the Royal Court. Each entry will be judged for its adherence to the theme, and for overall creativity. The final winners will receive pet-related gift baskets from Adventure Pets, as well as recognition on the Krewe Du Pooch website and social media.

Proceeds from Krewe Du Pooch will be distributed among the following local 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations: For Bullies Sake, St. Francis Animal Sanctuary, Clearwater Sanctuary, Tired Dog Rescue, Northshore Humane Society, Once Upon A Tail Rescue (Dante’s Hope), Bark and Roll, and Take Paws. Upon registration for the Fun Run/Walk or 5K, participants can designate the nonprofit they would like to contribute to. Any unspecified funds will be split between all participating nonprofits at the conclusion of the campaign. 

For more information on Krewe Du Pooch or to register, visit www.krewedupooch.org.

Editor’s Note: Interviews with Krewe Du Pooch representatives are available upon request by emailing [email protected] or calling 985-373-5271.