2010 FAQ

2010 Space Pawdessy

Welcome to the 2010 CAAWS Annual Crewe of Mutts Parade

Frequently asked parade questions:	11th Annual Parade---Registration Form Available Here Answers
1. What is the CAAWS-Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Dog Parade?	The dog parade is a fun filled way to spend an unforgettable day with your dogs Mardi Gras style while parading them in what has become one of Baton Rouge's most beloved events. This year we will celebrate our 11th anniversary. The parade is the largest fund-raiser for CAAWS and raises much needed funds for The CAAWS Community Outreach Spay/Neuter Program. This is a very special parade that allows dogs and their families to be a part of a Mardi Gras parade without spending a fortune. The parade is a walking parade where dogs and their owners stroll along North Blvd. in their finest Mardi Gras attire. Anyone can enter the parade. You only have to fill out an entry form and pay the entry fee. Dogs are also allowed to watch the parade on the sidelines, but it is not as much fun as being in the parade.
2. When & where is the parade?	The parade rolls on Sunday, January 31, 2010 in downtown Baton Rouge near the Old State Capitol Building along North Blvd starting at 5th street. The parade rolls up North Blvd to 9th street then turns around back to the starting area. Registration begins 10:00 Bark in the Park opens 10:00 Contests 12:00PM SHARP Line up for parade begins at 1:00 Parade rolls at 1:30PM
3. What is the parade theme?	The theme this year is 2010: Space Pawdyssey. Costumes are strongly encouraged for both the humans and dogs. Dress your pooch in purple, green, and gold, build a pet sized float, or follow the fun-loving theme.
4. How much does it cost to participate?	One dog = $40, Two dogs = $50, Three or more dogs =$55 Parade day registration is an additional $10 extra so register early by Jan 28. Each paid registration entitles a family of 4 to walk in the parade with the dog(s). Additional walkers are $5 each. Corporate entries are also available this year. An entry fee of $350 allows 10 employee walkers with 10 dogs.
5. How do I pre-register?	Download the pre-registration form and mail it in to CAAWS. The address is listed on the form. Forms will also be available at area vet offices, pet stores, and Raising Cane's. Parade day registration is limited so get your dogs registered early!
6. How do I get my registration packet once I've mailed in my entry form and payment?	CAAWS volunteers will be at the CAAWS Building at 6357 Quinn Drive, Baton Rouge 70817 (map here), on Saturday 1/23/10 and Saturday, 1/30/10 from 1pm-3pm. You may pick up your packet with your parade badges and confirm your registration at this time. You may also register at this time if you have not done so already. You do not have to go to the CAAWS building to pick up your packet. You can also receive your parade packet on parade day beginning at 10:00AM at the registration table in Bark in the Park. Due to the large crowds on parade day, it is recommended that you arrive as early as possible to register and receive your parade packet and badges. Registration begins at 10:00 AM on parade day. Register early then relax with your pooch in Bark in the Park and doggie watch.
7. Will there be costume contests to enter also?	Yes, there will be 2 contests to enter: Best Costume and Best Float Three prizes will be awarded in each category. Contests fees are $5 to enter each contest. The contests will take place just prior to the parade beginning at 12:00PM. Contests registration available on parade day only. Due to the large crowds, it is recommended that you register for the contest early. Contests begin at 12:00PM sharp!
8. Am I allowed to bring throws?	Absolutely, parade entrants are encouraged to bring "throws" for the crowd.
9. What kind of float can I have for the parade?	Anything that you can push or pull such as a wagon is allowed. No motorized floats are allowed
10. Does my dog have to be on a leash?	Yes! To participate, your dog must be on a leash at all times. FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES ARE ALLOWED. Your dog should also have a tag proof of current rabies vaccination. No puppies under 12 weeks, aggressive dogs, or dogs in heat are allowed.
11. Is there anything else to do before and after the parade?	Yes, visit the famous Bark in the Park. It's not actually a park though. Bark in the Park is located along North Blvd. in the median between 4th and 5th streets. The parade also begins and ends at this spot. It is filled with shopping for animal lovers, food and drink vendors, local rescue groups and animal related education information. Parade registration is also in Bark in the Park. You can't miss it. Look for all the tents.
12. Where do I purchase a souvenir parade t-shirt?	You can order your shirt on the parade entry form and it will be ready for you when you pick up your packet at CAAWS on 1/23 and 1/30 or on parade day. Parade T-shirts are only$10. Limited supply available and tend to sell out quickly on parade day. Preview Here.
13. Who is the grand marshal?	For the seventh year, our Grand Marshal is the beautiful Cane II, namesake of our premier sponsor, Raising Canes Chicken Fingers. (Raising Canes website) She will lead the parade along with volunteers from Raising Canes. Come out and meet Cane II at the parade.
14. Who are the King and Queen of the parade and how are they selected?	The King and Queen are selected by CAAWS volunteers by top secret ballot. They are always recent 2009 adoptees from CAAWS who have now found a permanent loving home. From their very humble beginnings to their royal appointments, it is a true rags to riches story. The 2010 CAAWS royalty are King Cane and Queen Vivian.
15. If it rains on parade day then what?	There is no rain date. The parade will roll regardless of rain. Dogs don't care about getting wet. In the case of inclement weather, the parade officials will make the decision to call the parade. All registration fees and donations are tax-deductible but non-refundable.
16. I've never been to the parade, what can I expect?	You will see hundreds and hundreds of beautiful dogs dressed in their finest Mardi Gras attire along with their human family in tow. It is an unforgettable event and undoubtedly the most family oriented parade of the season and certainly one of the most popular. You don't want to miss it. Please check out photos from previous year's parade to see what it is all about. Click the "20009 Parade Link" above to see photos from previous years.
17. I've been to the parade every year, is there anything new this year?	Due to the construction in the area, Bark in the Park will take place in the median of North Blvd as opposed to the area by Galvez Plaza. The parade begins at North and 5th street this year as opposed to 3rd street as previously done.
18. What forms of payment are accepted?	Cash and checks will be accepted for pre-registration as well as on parade day. Don't forget to bring your check book for all the shopping available in Bark in the Park.
19. If I have additional questions, what do I do?	The absolute best way to reach us is to email us at caawsmail@yahoo.com with attention to "Parade Volunteers". You may also call us on the CAAWS special events parade line at (225) 270-5192 but email is the quickest way to have your questions answered.
20. The parade is a fund-raiser for CAAWS. What exactly does CAAWS do anyway?	CAAWS is an all volunteer 501c3 non-profit that has been serving the BR community since 1979. Our volunteers work in many areas such as homeless pet adoption, community outreach, spay/neuter, humane education, pet touch therapy, ongoing Katrina animal rescue, evacuation training and preparedness, just to name a few. To see a 2008 year end video of what CAAWS is all about, please click on the following link to see a 8 minute video about CAAWS 2008 YouTube Video.
Thank you for reading and hope to see you and your dogs on January 31.
	Why don't we have a CAT parade?