ST. LOUIS - This is the 40th year that Soulard will celebrate Mardi Gras, which brings the biggest crowds of the year to their side of town.
This year's theme is "40 Years of Magic, Music, and Memories." Here are all the events this year:
Soulard kicks of Mardi Gras festivities with Pet Parade
Purina Pet Parade
- Sunday, February 24
- Registration begins are 10 a.m. and there is a $10 registration fee
- The parade is at 1 p.m. and starts at 12th and Allen
- Click here for more information
Wiener Dog Derby
- Sunday, February 24 at Wiener Stadium in Soulard Market
- Registration opens at 10 a.m. and there is a $10 entry fee
- Open ceremonies start at 1:45 p.m. and the first heat is at 2 p.m.
- Click here for more information on the derby
Family Winter Carnival
The Family Winter Carnival is an alcohol-free event scheduled for January 26. The event includes bounce houses, police and fire vehicles and a petting zoo. Kids can get their faces painted to look like Mardi Gras masks. A children's parade will begin at 3 p.m.
Cajun Cook-off and Taste of Soulard
Food lovers can enjoy Cajun flavors at the Cajun cook-off and Taste of Soulard. The Cajun cook-off will take place all day long Feb 16 as local chefs whip up some of their tastiest dishes. The Taste of Soulard will be held the last weekend of February.
Soulard Mardi Gras Parade
The parade is set to kick off outside Busch Stadium at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2. After leaving the stadium, the parade will wind through the downtown streets to Soulard and will end at Anheuser-Busch Brewery. For a map of the parade route click here.
The event organizer said they expect to have 85 floats in the parade this year.