The Mardi Growl dog parade will take place on Feb. 2 to promote a new dog park that will open this summer in downtown Knoxville.

Pet owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in costume and enter the "royal court" costume contest. Doggie goody bags will also be handed out to those that participate. Stations will be set up to provide vaccinations and grooming for the pets, said Madeleine Weil, deputy director of the city's Department of Policy and Communications.

The parade will begin in Market Square at 10 a.m. and end on the corner of Summit Hill Drive and Central Avenue, which will be the site of the future dog park.

Online registration will be available until Feb. 1. The entrance fee is $8. Proceeds from the parade will go directly toward the Young-Williams Animal Center to help finance animal adoptions.