Get your beads and masks ready!
The massive party season known as Mardi Gras starts tonight inSoulard with the celebration of the "Twelfth Night" after Christmas, also known as "Epiphany" or "Kings Day."
First, the Mardi Gras board must vote to hold another Soulard Mardi Gras in 2011. The vote is followed by a royal proclamation on the steps of Johnny's Restaurant and then a grand musical procession (see map of the procession route above by clicking on Image 1 of 2).
The whole shebang ends at Soulard Market Parkwhere the flag will be unfurled, a new Rex will be crowned and a "bloodless transfer of power" will occur under the bursts of fireworks, signifying the start of the Mardi Gras season.
Here's a rundown of tonight's scheduled events:
5:30-6:30 pm—Board to receive petitions
6:45 pm—Proclamation and Grand Procession
8:00 pm—Coronation of 2011 Rex, Mardi Gras flag and fireworks herald the season
Where: Petitions, Proclamation and Grand Procession all begin at Johnny’s, 1017 Russell Boulevard in Soulard. Coronation at Soulard Market Park, 8th & Lafayette.
The Soulard neighborhood has held a Mardi Gras celebration since 1980. More information on other St. Louis Mardi Gras events can be found here.