Krewe Du Pooch is a non-profit dog parade and costume contest co-hosted by the City of Mandeville. Our main goal is to support local animal rescue through a fun community event with on-site dog adoptions, local vendors, food, and fun activities for everyone. The parade is free to attend, so bring your entire family – two-footed and four-footed, all ages welcome!
Our 2026 walking parade and costume contest will take place at the Mandeville Lakefront on Saturday, February 28th, and our costume contest theme this year is Krewe Du Pooch Goes to HOWLywood! Strut the red carpet at Krewe Du Pooch 2026 and show off your pup’s star power—where every dog is a celebrity!
Parade Registration
Parade and costume contest participation
Calling all proud puppy owners! It’s time to let your furry friends strut their stuff in the Northshore’s most adorable parade of the year. Register your beloved pooches to walk in the parade and impress our panel of celebrity judges in our costume contest! Learn more about the costume contest.
Animal rescue group registration
Are you a nonprofit rescue group interested in participating in our next event? You can register your group to walk in our parade and also have an on-site adoption tent on parade day!
Other Ways to Participate
Join the festivities
If you are not walking in the parade or participating in the costume contest, Krewe Du Pooch is FREE to watch! Join us, cheer on the parade participants, enjoy the family-friendly activities, and support all of the local vendors and food trucks.
Become a sponsor
Becoming a sponsor of Krewe Du Pooch is a great way to gain exposure for your business and to support local rescue at the same time. Promote your business, connect with local pet owners, and give back to the Mandeville community by becoming a sponsor today.
2025 Costume Contest Celebrity Judges
Thank you to our celebrity judges for the 2025 Krewe Du Pooch Woofs of Art Costume Contest!
Artist
Terrance Osborne
Terrance Osborne is a celebrated artist born, raised, and based in New Orleans. His vibrant works of art are inspired by his upbringing within the rich culture and history of his home city. He often incorporates local themes and motifs into his work, such as the second lines, New Orleans houses and Mardi Gras culture. Terrance attended the prestigious NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) and later graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from NOLA’s Xavier University. Osborne’s work is sought out by art collectors and enthusiasts around the world and some of his most collected art includes the six (and counting…) NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival posters he’s produced. As you may know these prestigious posters are the highest grossing festival posters in the world. He’s proud of his city as he continues to be a prominent figure in New Orleans.
Restaurateur
Desi Vega
Desi Vega is a renowned New Orleans restaurateur with over three decades of experience in the industry. Born and raised in Louisiana, Desi got his start in the restaurant business working for his father, who owned a local steakhouse. He went on to hone his craft at some of the city’s most prestigious restaurants before opening his own eponymous steakhouse, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, in the Warehouse District. Known for its top-quality cuts of meat, impeccable service, and elegant ambiance, Desi Vega’s quickly became a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike. Desi has since expanded his restaurant empire to include multiple locations throughout the GNO area including his newest concept, Mandeville’s own, Desi Vega’s Smokehouse. He is a respected figure in the city’s culinary scene and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the industry.
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THIRD 2026 CELEBRITY JUDGE TO BE DETERMINED!
2026 Royal Court
2026 King
King Gus may have started life with challenges, but today he’s thriving as the beloved pup of Resurge Veterinary Hospital. At just five weeks old, Gus was diagnosed with a serious condition that required delicate reconstructive surgery. With the expert care of Dr. Lodato and the Resurge team, he made a remarkable recovery—and quickly stole the heart of Kelly, Resurge’s head surgery technician, who officially adopted him.
Now, Gus is more than just a survivor—he’s the clinic’s honorary “office supervisor.” Whether he’s perched at the window keeping an eye on patients, greeting visitors with his trademark charm, or chasing after his favorite ball, Gus brings joy to everyone he meets. From a rough beginning to a life filled with love, play, and purpose, Gus truly embodies the spirit of Krewe du Pooch royalty.
2026 Queen
Is your pup the queen of your heart? Let her shine as Queen of the Krewe du Pooch Parade! With a sponsorship, she’ll strut her stuff in the spotlight while helping raise funds for local rescue animals. It’s a paw-sitively perfect way to show off her royal charm and support a great cause!
2026 Grand Marshal
Think your dog has what it takes to lead the pack? Nominate them as Grand Marshal of the Krewe du Pooch Parade! This honorary role puts your pup front and center, guiding the festivities while supporting local rescue efforts. It’s a tail-wagging opportunity to celebrate your best friend and make a difference for animals in need.