ST. LOUIS’ MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL TO FEATURE COOK-OFFS, PET AND FAT TUESDAY PARADES AND MORE

One of the USA’s largest and most exciting Mardi Gras Festivals takes place in the historic neighborhood of Soulard in St. Louis, lasting from February 10 – 28, 2006.

A variety of events are planned for the festival and they include the fun Fat Tuesday Parade and even a Pet Parade! The Millennium Hotel, St. Louis is offering a “Mardi Gras” package in conjunction with these events and it features complimentary breakfast, parking for one vehicle, a special Mardi Gras souvenir and the trademark beads. Rates for the package begin at $105 per room, per night, excluding tax and gratuities. Reservations can be made at www.millenniumhotels.com or by contacting 866-866-8086.

The historic district of Soulard is located approximately half-a-mile from the hotel and features many historic structures that date back to the late 1800s. The 2006 Mardi Gras Festival will be featuring a whole range of events and highlights include:
• Wine Tasting on February 10, 2006, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample wines from a variety of vintners including Fetzer Vineyards and Bolla Wines of Italy. Admission rates are $25 in advance and $30 at the door and includes a booklet with four food sampling tickets. Additional food sampling tickets will be available for $1. Featured wines will also be available for purchase at special prices. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
• Crystal Cajun Cook-Off on February 11, 2006, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This cook-off will feature ten professional and ten amateur chefs competing in respective categories for the title of best Cajun / Creole dish. Attendees will be provided with four food tickets, unlimited samples of Schlafly products and the opportunity to sample the Cajun Sampler Platter which will be available between 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Additional food tickets will be made available for $1 with soft drinks and water at no charge. Attendees will also receive a recipe booklet featuring the recipes of each of the chefs featured in last year’s competition. Admission rates are priced at $25 per person for advance purchases and $30 for purchasing tickets at the door. Attendees must be 21 and older to attend.
• Beggin’ Strips Barkus Pet Parade on Sunday, February 19, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

This pet parade features dogs, cats, fish, livestock and other fun furry companions. Registration begins at Clementine’s at the corner of Allen and Menard Streets at 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Beggin’ Strips, the parade begins at 1:00 p.m. from Clementine’s and makes its way through Soulard concluding at Soulard Market Park. Beggin’ Strips will also provide Beggin’ Party Bags for the first 2,000 registrants. Animal participants are subject to the approval of Mardi Gras, Inc. and the St. Louis Department of Animal Control based on appropriateness, temperament and health. Admission is free however participants are encouraged to make a $10 donation to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter.
• Fat Tuesday with parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. on February 28, 2006

The main event of Mardi Gras will feature a special Bud Light Party Zone as well as colorful floats, live music and entertainment and specialty drinks and food. More details and a map of the parade route will be available on the Mardi Gras website.

*More information and updated event information on the 2006 Mardi Gras in St. Louis can be found at www. mardigrasinc.com.

About the Millennium Hotel, St. Louis

The 780-room Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, is located downtown, across the street from the world-famous Gateway Arch, near Busch Stadium, the Mississippi riverfront and historic Laclede’s Landing.  A three-story glass wall in the lobby affords a spectacular view of the Arch.  The hotel offers more than 63,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Missouri.  All function space is conveniently located on one level.  The hotel also features three restaurants, including the revolving Top of the Riverfront restaurant on the 28th floor, from which diners enjoy incomparable city vistas, including a view of Busch Stadium. In addition, the hotel offers a lounge, business center, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, rental car desk, gift shop and a game room.

For more information please visit www.millenniumhotels.com or www.maritim.com

December 29, 2005   Posted in: United States South