Mardi Gras means a gateway to good times in St. Louis

Submitted by the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Bureau

ST. LOUIS -- It's finally “Carnival Time” in St. Louis! Each year, the historic Soulard neighborhood throws a huge, mid-winter party to celebrate its French roots and shake off the winter blues. There’s never a shortage of things to do during the Gateway City’s favorite winter carnival – and there’s never a shortage of beads.

The festivities include a string of Mardi Gras-related activities, starting on January 23 with the U.S. Cellular Family Winter Carnival. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Soulard Market Park at 8th and Lafayette streets, the festivities include arts and crafts projects, kid-friendly performances on the main stage, Saint Louis Science Center activities, karaoke, Segway time trials, the Rams Quarterback of the Future Skills Challenge, and the U.S. Cellular Children's Parade.

Ease into the grown-ups’ party mood during the Soulard Wine Taste on January 29. Held at the Hilton at the Ballpark, the event is the equivalent of a Mardi Gras happy hour that lasts from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a variety of vintages from Missouri Wine Country and beyond. Then, rustle up some extra taste buds for the Crystal Cajun Cook-Off, Saturday, January 30, at the Casa Loma Ballroom. From noon - 4 p.m., 20 chefs – 10 professionals and 10 amateurs – compete in their respective categories for the Best Cajun/Creole Dish title. Attendees are provided four food tickets and lots of samples of Schlafly beer, Pepsi products and lots of live music.

The Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard takes place February 6-7 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Many of the neighborhood’s most popular establishments offer tasty samples of their signature dishes in this unique, self-guided gastronomic experience. Participants are able to sample their way through Soulard with seven “taste” tickets, which include some of the restaurants’ signature dishes. There’s a free trolley service on Saturday to shuttle participants between the tastes, but you Sunday “tasters” will have to hoof it – what a great way to walk off some tasty calories!

On February 7, the 17th Annual Beggin' Pet Parade and “Tail”gating Party takes over the neighborhood. The parade, one of the largest in the world, steps off at the intersection of Menard and Allen streets at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, with an ark-load of animals in tow. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and any furred, finned, or feathered pet in costume is welcome to participate. Afterwards, find out “Who let the dogs out?” as the PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby takes to the streets at Soulard Market Park – aka Weiner Stadium. Registration starts at 10 a.m., and those decidedly adorable dachshunds get this party started at 2 p.m. The wacky wiener dogs compete in one of three divisions based on age – Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks, and Hot Dogs – and the finals are followed by the trophy presentation ceremony.

Finally, the big day has arrived! The River City Grand Parade rolls through Soulard on Saturday, February 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. More than 130 parade units participate in the colorful convoy, including dozens of colorful floats and costumed marchers strutting their stuff. The majority of the action takes place within the friendly confines of Soulard, the city’s first neighborhood.

Post-parade revelers get the after-party started at the Music Stage with free concerts by six of St. Louis’ most popular bands. The giant block party starts at 1 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. Serious party animals – ages 21 and over – can purchase tickets to the Bud Light Party Tent, which is open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Revelers can enjoy the tent’s all you can eat Cajun-Creole buffet, a premium bar, private Port-a-Potties, live entertainment, several bottomless vats of beads, and much more.

Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 16th, and the season’s festivities wrap up with the Lumière Place Light Up The Night Fat Tuesday Parade. The parade rolls down Market Street starting at 6:30 p.m. and rolls to a stop at Kiener Plaza. It’s the last chance to check out the floats judged to be “best and brightest” from Saturday’s Grand Parade, and a last call for beads before Lent.

To make St. Louis hotel reservations for Mardi Gras or to browse the online St. Louis Visitors Guide, click on www.explorestlouis.com, or call

1-800-916-0040 to order a copy of the 104-page guide. For more details on everything you need to know about Soulard Mardi Gras, click on www.stlmardigras.org.

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