When you mention Mardi Gras in St. Louis, most of us think of Soulard, home to one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. The Soulard festivities last for weeks, beginning with Twelfth Night on January 6, and ending with Fat Tuesday on February 24. Here are the top ten events and activities during the 2009 Soulard Mardi Gras.
Toast of Soulard Wine Taste
Photo by David Silverman, courtesy Getty Images
Hurricanes may be the drink of choice during many Mardi Gras events, but Soulard also celebrates with wine. The Toast of Soulard Wine Taste gives you the chance to sample some of the best vintages from local and national wineries. The event is held at two locations, the Mad Art Gallery and the Lemp Grand Hall, with trolleys running between the venues. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available online at the Soulard Mardi Gras website.
February 6, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
February 6, 2009
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cajun Cook-Off
Photo by Michael Lamotte, Courtesy Getty Images
You are sure to get your fill of Cajun and Creole food at the Cajun Cook-Off at the Casa Loma Ballroom. Ten professional chefs and ten amateur cooks compete in separate categories for the best Cajun dish. Watch the chefs prepare their dishes, then it's time to eat. Everyone who attends gets four food tickets and unlimited samples of Schlafly beer. Organizers are also putting together an online cookbook of winning recipes. Tickets for the Cajun Cook-Off are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available online at the Soulard Mardi Gras website.
February 7, 2009
Noon - 4 p.m.
February 7, 2009
Noon - 4 p.m.
Taste of Soulard
This is a great way to sample food from many of Soulard's best restaurants. Make your way to each restaurant or pub and use one of your tickets for a taste of its signature dish. If you don't want to walk, there's a free trolley on Saturday. Ticket books cost $25 for six tastes and a complementary glass of Southern Comfort. Tickets are available online at the Soulard Mardi Gras website.February 14 & 15, 2009
The Barkus Pet Parade
Photo Courtesy Mardi Gras, Inc.
It doesn't matter if you have a dog or not, this event is something to see. This is the 16th year for the Barkus Pet Parade and organizers are expecting thousands of dogs and their owners to turn out. Many will be decked out in costumes, others just come to be part of the fun. It costs $10 per animal to register for the parade. The money goes to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no kill shelter in Jefferson County. You can register online or on the day of the parade, starting at 10 a.m. at Allen and Menard.
February 15, 2009
1 p.m.
February 15, 2009
1 p.m.
Wiener Dog Derby
Photo Courtesy Mardi Gras, Inc.
Talk about a dog-eat-dog competition, the annual Wiener Dog Derby pits some of the area's fastest dachshunds against each other. Okay that may be a bit of an exaggeration. It's clearly more fun than competition, but the derby is always one of the most popular events of the Soulard Mardi Gras. There are three divisions of racers based on the dog's age with top finishers in each category taking home prizes.
February 15, 2009
February 15, 2009
The Grand Parade
This is the big event of Mardi Gras, bringing tens of thousands of revelers to the streets of Soulard. The theme for the 2009 Grand Parade is "The History of the World." Some 100 Krewes spend months building their floats, hoping to win prizes and bragging rights at the parade. In addition to the floats, there are also marching bands and, of course, millions of beads flying through the air.February 21, 2009
11 a.m.
Bud Light Party Tent
The Grand Parade kicks off a whole day of Mardi Gras celebrations in Soulard. Dozens of neighborhood restaurants will be selling food and drinks at outdoor booths and Soulard residents open their homes and host parties of their own. But if you don't know anyone who lives in Soulard, the best and most comfortable way to spend the day partying is to buy a ticket to the Bud Light Party Tent. The heated tent is set up at Soulard Market Park in the heart of the action. Up to 2,000 revelers can enjoy a Cajun-Creole buffet, drinks and music at this restricted access celebration. Tickets for the Party Tent are $100 a person and are available online at the Soulard Mardi Gras website.February 21, 2009
9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Main Stage Music
Live music is always a big part of the Soulard Mardi Gras celebration and this year is no execption. You can see popular musicians performing throughout the day on the Rolling Rock Main Stage. There is also a local stage featuring acts by STL Sound Magazine.February 21, 2009
All Day
The Mayor's Ball
This masquerade ball at St. Louis City Hall is the formal event of Mardi Gras. Hob nob with St. Louis society for the evening while enjoying dinner, an open bar and live music by Groovethang, Funky Butt Brass Band and Galaxy Red. Complimentary valet parking is available. Tickets are $100 to $500 a person.February 20, 2009
7 p.m.
Fat Tuesday Parade
For those who just can't get enough of Mardi Gras, this is the last hurrah. The Light up the Night Parade in downtown St. Louis lets you celebrate right up to the start of Lent. Floats will fill the streets as the crowds gather once again to party, listen to music and catch a few more beads.February 24, 2009
