The annual Soulard Mardi Gras celebration is the biggest party in town, and one of its most popular events is the Beggin' Strips Barkus Pet Parade. Thousands of pets (mostly dogs) don their best costumes and parade through the streets of Soulard. It's always a fun event for pet owners and those who just come to watch.
When and Where:
The pet parade is held the weekend before the Grand Parade at Soulard Mardi Gras. In 2012, the parade is Sunday, February 12, at 1 p.m. It begins at Allen and Menard in the heart of Soulard, then makes its way through the neighborhood to 8th and Lafayette Streets near Soulard Market Park.
If you haven't been before, the pet parade is truly something to see. For a look at what to expect, check out these pictures from past pet parades.
How to Register:
Registration to march in the parade is $10 per animal. Money raised goes to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter in House Springs, Missouri. Registration is available online, or beginning at 10 a.m., on parade day at Allen and Menard.
A World Record Attempt:
In 2012, pet parade organizers are also trying to set a world record for the most dogs in costume at one time. There will be a special World Record Registration Booth at the beginning of the parade route. Anyone who wants to participate in the world record attempt should stop by the booth to get a button and bandana. Then during the parade, walk through the world record counting area to be counted. Results will be announced at the end of the parade.
Wiener Dog Derby:
The fun doesn't end when the parade is over. Everyone is invited to Soulard Market Park for the Petsmart Wiener Dog Derby beginning at 2 p.m. Dachshunds of all sizes race in three divisions based on their age. After the race, trophies are presented to the winners and their owners in the Wiener’s Circle.
Registration for the Wiener Dog Derby is available online, or on race day at the park beginning at 10 a.m. The cost to race is $10 per dog with a portion of the money raised going to the Dachshund Rescue Foundation.
Other Mardi Gras Events:
The Barkus Pet Parade and Wiener Dog Derby are just two events in the month long celebration at Soulard Mardi Gras. The biggest event of the celebration is the Grand Parade on February 18. Huge crowds come out to catch beads and see more than 100 floats make their way through Soulard.
The festivities end on February 21 with the Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade. More floats, more beads and live music wrap up the Mardi Gras season in St. Louis.
