The 21st year of the Krewe of Barkus event in downtown McKinney featured a parade of dogs in superhero costumes, over 30 vendors and the unveiling of a statue commemorating the movie “Benji.”
The event is a Mardi Gras dog parade styled after the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans, and it featured more than 300 participating dogs and owners. The event was held Feb. 19 at Dr. Glen Mitchell Park and included pet adoptions, pet-specific vendors and general vendors. The Big Easy Brass Band also performed and led the parade around the downtown square.
A statue commemorating the film “Benji” was unveiled on the Krewe of Barkus stage with actress from the film Cindy Smith Baker in attendance. McKinney served as the main outdoor shooting location for the film, according to the Visit McKinney website. The sculpture commemorates 50 years since the movie was filmed in 1973 before it was released in 1974.
The creation of the statue was organized by the Benji Love Project and funded by the Daisy Riddle Family and the McKinney Arts Commission, according to a news release. Plans for the statue were first announced June 8 following a June 7 City Council meeting where council members approved a $15,000 contract with sculptor Susan Norris.
