The 2013 Mardi Gras Season Is Here

Ryan
4097 days ago.

2013 mardi gras flag raise After many speeches and lots of walking, the Mardi Gras flag was raised in Soulard on Sunday night to signify the start of the 2013 Mardi Gras season.

With the length of the Mardi Gras season being determined by where Ash Wednesday falls each year, this season is more condensed than usual.  The River City Casino Grand Parade will be held on February 9th and the Lumiere Place ‘Light Up The Night’ Fat Tuesday parade will be held on February 12th.

Mardi Gras Inc., the Soulard company that runs the annual celebration, packs the calendar full of events each year. The events generate millions of dollars in economic dollars for St. Louis and thousands of dollars are donated to area non-profits and endeavors each year.

Here is a brief rundown of this year’s calendar.

January 12…………… Snowman Softball Tournament

 

A place for the “Rec League All-Stars” to showcase their softball skills in the name of Mardi Gras.  The tournament goes from 7:30am throughout the day in Forest Park to benefit the Police Athletic League.

January 19…………… Fifth Third Bank Presents: SSM Cardinal Glennon Family Winter Carnival

 

This event is primarily for the kiddos. There will be a Paint Wall for kids to show off their artistic abilities and performances by kid-friendly acts throughout the day on the stage. Children will make their own masks and capes before parading through the streets of Soulard in the Fifth Third Bank children’s parade. Word is Fredbird and Rally Squirrel will again make an appearance. They may be bringing special guests with them as well.

January 25…………… Wine, Whiskey, & Beer Taste

Purchase a tasting booklet to this event to get 12 ‘tastes’ of various wines, whiskeys and beers and four samples of delicious food served by some of the best restaurants and caterers in St. Louis. The event, held at City Hall will feature a local DJ to keep you entertained and word is some whiskeys not available yet on the market will be available.

January 26…………… Crystal Cajun Cook-Off

Ten area chefs will compete in a Cajun/Creole cooking competition while attendees will sample Cajun and Creole dished prepared by a catering company. Attendees will also partake in unlimited samples for Bud Light, Southern Comfort Hurricanes and soft drinks.

February 2…………… Supplement Superstores 5K Run

A 5K run through the streets of Soulard to benefit the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Center.

February 2 & 3……… Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard

Purchase a tasting booklet to sample dishes and drinks from a variety of Soulard establishments. You will want to make a day of this on Saturday before returning to Soulard on Sunday for the Pet Parade.

February 3…………… Beggin’ Barkus Pet Parade and PetSmart Wiener Dog Derby

These events are the most important events of the season for a lot of folks. The Grand Marshals of the event will be The Bacon Brothers, who will perform a special set of hits on a stage on 9th street after the parade.

February 8…………… Mayor’s Mardi Gras Ball

This event raises thousands of dollars for worthy causes every year. It is held at City Hall as well. Join many St. Louis dignitaries in their finest Mardi Gras attire. El Monstero was recently announced as musical act.

February 9…………… River City Casino Grand Parade

This is the event that most people think of when they think of Mardi Gras in St. Louis. The parade will start at 11am and run from Busch Stadium to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery complex.

February 12…………. Lumiere Place Fat Tuesday Parade

This parade will step off at 7pm and will run from the corner of Washington and Broadway west on Washington to 14th street.

You don’t want to miss out on these Mardi Gras events. Make plans now to attend three or four at the very least.

Post brought to you by Mills Properties

Ryan

Ryan is a weird dude. He doesn't cook, yet owns a plethora of kitchen gadgets. He rationalized buying a SodaStream while unemployed. He counts Step Up 2: The Streets as one of his favorite movies along with Footloose, Rent, Grease and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He loves Mizzou but only wants them in the SEC so he can tailgate in Nashville. He owns a ShakeWeight and AbLounger, but still loves him some John Donut and Billie's Fine Foods. You can get more of Ryan at iLoveSoulard.com or just check the stool on the far end of the bar at iTap in Soulard.

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