Inspired by the House Floats for Yardi Gras that is taking over New Orleans this year, “Dog House Floats” are popping up all over the area. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing many cancellations, including Mardi Gras, the residents in the New Orleans area are getting creative with ways to continue their biggest celebration of the year. The Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws, a dog krewe that has done a dog parade in St. Tammany Parish for 27 years, decided to jump in on the action by hosting it’s first-ever Dog House Float Contest.

Mardi Paws is encouraging fur-babies and their humans to transform dog houses into works of art, just as houses in the city are transforming their houses into “House Floats”. The parade is when residents can drive around and view all of the houses. It’s a safe and socially-distant way to Mardi Gras.

The Dog House Floats not only spreads the Mardi Gras cheer, but it also draws attention to the homeless pups at the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services in Lacombe, the only open-admission animal shelter in the parish, according to the Mardi Paws website.

So how does the Dog House Float work? Businesses and residents decorate a Mardi Gras-themed dog house to display on their property. This is part of the “House Float” Krewe in New Orleans. You can decorate an existing dog house, build a new one, add a dog theme to a house float display, or even make a dog house-shaped mailbox. There is no cost to enter. Prizes will be awarded. Other events are also taking place including a costume contest.

Displays need to be ready as early as January 23rd and must remain in place until Sunday, February 21st, which is when the traditional Mardi Paws parade would have rolled.

If you are looking for something fun to do to celebrate the Carnival season, take a drive and view all of the creativity that is being put into the House Floats and Dog House Floats. For more information, visit the website.

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