Today, Feb. 6, is the last day of $25 registration for Dash for the Beads. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Late registration costs $30. There also is a 1-mile walk starting at 8:30 that morning; register for $20 through Feb. 16. Fido Oak Cliff, the group that’s working to create a dog park in our neighborhood, is the beneficiary of this year’s race. If you can’t race but still want to support Fido Oak Cliff, make a donation.

The race also is a costume contest, and it’s pet friendly. Register your dog for $5. Also, children 12 and younger can register for $15.

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The Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball is Feb. 18, and tickets start at $25. The parade starts at 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Chef Michelle Carpenter is hosting a craw fish boil in the Bishop Arts District again this year. Carpenter’s Cajun kin are coming from Louisiana to cook more than 700 pounds of live craw fish, Sunday, Feb. 19.

From the media release: “Because last year’s Craw fish Boil was a smashing success, Michelle’s Uncle Wayne will be showcasing his brand new, custom-built Craw fish Trailer with three cookers and a wash station, designed to steam up to 3,000 pounds of mud bugs an hour.”

Craw fish with corn and potatoes will cost $15 a pound, and there will be no pre-sale tickets this year. Carpenter and family also will serve gumbo ($7) and king cake ($5).