Pets Parade at Brevard Humane Society's Mardi Gras Celebration

Annual Paws in the Park event features costume contests, lure course, and crowning of King and Queen

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Brevard Humane Society hosted its 20th annual Mardi Gras Paws in the Park event at Riverfront Park in Cocoa, Florida. The celebration included a pet parade, costume contests, a lure course, vendor booths, and the crowning of a King and Queen. Pets of all shapes and sizes, from Saint Bernards to Boston Terriers, participated in the festivities.

Why it matters

The Brevard Humane Society's Mardi Gras Paws in the Park is a long-standing community event that brings together pet owners and animal lovers to celebrate their furry friends. The event helps raise awareness and funds for the Humane Society's mission of caring for homeless and abandoned animals in Brevard County.

The details

The Mardi Gras Paws in the Park event featured a variety of activities for pets and their owners. There was a pet parade where owners could show off their pets' costumes, with prizes awarded for the best outfits. A lure course allowed dogs to chase after a lure, testing their speed and agility. Vendor booths offered pet-related products and services, and the event culminated in the crowning of a King and Queen pet.

  • The 20th annual Mardi Gras Paws in the Park event took place on March 1, 2026.
  • The event has been held annually in Cocoa, Florida since its inception.

The players

Brevard Humane Society

A non-profit organization that provides care and adoption services for homeless and abandoned animals in Brevard County, Florida.

Theresa Clifton

The executive director of the Brevard Humane Society.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Brevard Humane Society is already planning for next year's Mardi Gras Paws in the Park event, which will take place on March 1, 2027.

The takeaway

The Brevard Humane Society's Mardi Gras Paws in the Park event is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the bond between pets and their owners, while also raising awareness and funds for the important work the Humane Society does in the community.