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 in January and ending with Fat Tuesday on February 21. Here are the top events and activities during the 2012 Soulard Mardi Gras.
Soulard's celebration may be the biggest, but it isn't the only party in town. Here's information on other Mardi Gras celebrations in the St. Louis area and where to get Mardi Gras supplies for your own party.
1. Snowman Softball Tournament
The cold weather won't stop the players at the Snowman Softball Tournament in Forest Park. The tournament has both men's and co-ed divisions. The entry fee is $150 with money going to the Police Athletic League. For more information call (314) 771-5110.
January 21, 2012
8 a.m. - Dusk
2. Family Winter Carnival
The Family Winter Carnival is a chance for everyone to get into the Mardi Gras spirit. There are live performances, arts and crafts and a children's parade. The carnival is held at Soulard Market Park, but many of the events are inside a heated tent.
January 28, 2012
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
3. 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. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
February 3, 2012
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
4. 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. Ten professional chefs and ten amateur cooks compete in separate categories for the best Cajun/Creole dish. Watch the chefs prepare their dishes, then it's time to eat. Everyone who attends gets four food tickets and unlimited samples of Bud Light beer and Southern Comfort hurricanes. Tickets for the Cajun Cook-Off are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
February 4, 2012
Noon - 4 p.m.
5. 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.
February 11 & 12, 2012
All Day
6. 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 19th year for the 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 on the day of the parade, starting at 10 a.m., at Allen and Menard. See pictures of the Barkus Pet Parade.
February 12, 2012
1 p.m.
7. 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 in Soulard Market Park 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 12, 2012
2 p.m.
8. 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. Complimentary valet parking is available. Tickets are $100 to $500 a person.
February 17, 2012
7 p.m.
9. The Grand Parade
This is the big event of Mardi Gras, bringing tens of thousands of revelers to the streets of Soulard. Some 130 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. The parade begins at Busch Stadium, makes its way into the heart of Soulard and ends at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
February 18, 2012
11 a.m.
10. Light Up the Night 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. Some of the top floats from the Grand Parade will fill the streets as the crowds gather once again to party, listen to music and catch a few more beads.
February 21, 2012
7 p.m.
