On Saturday, Feb. 22, The Krewe of Amalee, Inc. hosted the 28th annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival in DeLand. Several local businesses, families and Stetson students, faculty and staff marched through Downtown DeLand, passing Stetson’s beautiful campus along the way.  

For the second year in a row, Stetson participated in the parade, joining the community in a lively day filled with music, creative floats, cute dogs and lots of fun.  

Participants in the parade went all out with creative costumes and thought-out floats, and Stetson’s campus looked more vibrant than ever as students dressed their dogs in colorful outfits, football players rocked Stetson gear, and the cheerleading team and marching band kept the energy up with Hatter pride as the parade moved into Downtown DeLand.

“This is my first time at the DeLand Dog Parade and I’m so excited, especially being able to walk in it,” said Jasmine Bakhsh, a senior majoring in Political Science and Homecoming Queen. “I’m very proud to be representing Stetson, it’s such a great community. I love Stetson, I love the parade. It’s just absolutely amazing.” 

Gracie Coleman, a sophomore majoring in Marketing and a Hatter cheerleader, brought her dog Rocky with her. As a dog lover and owner, she explained how much Stetson’s participation in the parade means to her.  

“We had a blast at the parade,” she said. “It means so much to see the support of the community. Being a part of Stetson is something really special not only for me, but also for my dog.”

Stetson’s participation in the event is part of its initiative to become even more involved and connected to the greater DeLand community, as well as support local neighborhoods. The Krewe of Amalee, the organization that organizes the parade, uses the annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade to raise funds to support the arts, families in need and humane pet centers in DeLand.  

For many, the parade was truly a magical experience. Every person present came together in a heartwarming way to celebrate their love for dogs.

Bruno Soto, a senior double majoring in Political Science and Economics and Homecoming King, couldn’t have put it in better words: “The parade was awesome. I love dogs and being around people who are dog lovers as well.” 

– Alicia Ferreira