Bark for Beads: Mardi Growl was Huge Success

Eureka representatives recently barked up the right tree. Considering that 35 dogs were pre-registered for the Eureka Mardi Growl dog parade and event on March 6, organizers were overjoyed to see between 400 to 500 dogs and their human families turn out for the first time of hosting the event. That Saturday's rainy weather prompted most people to take a wait-and-see approach, but sunshine prevailed the next day and gave attendees a good excuse to get out and stretch.

"It's so nice to see everybody having fun," said Joy Sauter, Eureka Chamber of Commerce membership and marketing director.

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey, who also served as the parade marshal, said the dog-oriented event was incredible, with the crowd estimated at several thousand. "We anticipate having even more street concerts and events, such as Mardi Growl, this coming summer," he said.

As previously reported in Eureka-Wildwood Patch prior to , a portion of the parade's $5 each registration fee was donated to Dirk's Fund—a non-profit, dog rescue organization now focused on Golden Retrievers and based in Pacific, MO. 

Eureka Chamber of Commerce and Eureka Parks and Recreation Department representatives teamed up to offer this new event in Old Town Eureka on Central Avenue. employees offered a gumbo, while had hot chocolate and other drinks. and restauranteers also offered specials, such as crawfish and shrimp boil, and red beans and rice.

Participating vendor Country Doggie Spa & Grooming donated all proceeds to benefit a senior dog project.

Carol Jung, of Eureka and owner of Pink Lime (boutique) Designs, offered dog-related apparel, complete with rhinestones. She also had embroidered products.

Jane Peacock, of Wildwood, who heads up Fetch! Pet Care in West St. Louis County, exhibited to connect with dog owners about her professional pet sitting and dog walking service. She also contributed more than $200 to the doggy bags given to the first 100 registrants.

Prizes were awarded for the following three categories:  pet/owner look-a-like; best dressed pet; and best overall costume. The look-a-like winners were Anna Coppin, of Eureka, and her dog, Millie, who both were dressed like Disney's Snow White character. The best dressed costume went to a woman and a Daschund dressed in a purple track suit with lots of squiggly, Mardi Gras "arms" hanging from both of them.

Third place in the overall costume contest went to Mary Mantia, of Eureka, and her long-haired Daschund, Cookie. Second place in the overall costume contest was awarded to a family who had two Alaskan Huskies pulling a cart with their daughter entitled "student driver." First place in the overall costume contest went to Michelle Howard and her Doberman, Glory, from Dittmer, MO. 

Howard said her mother made Glory's dress. Parade judges indicated they gave extra points to any Doberman comfortable enough to wear a dress in front of so many people.