Annual Mardi Gras Beggin’ Pet Parade brings creatively dressed dogs to St. Louis

Thousands of pooches in outlandish costumes will take to the streets of St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood for the 23rd annual Mardi Gras Beggin’ Pet Parade on Sunday.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal is the grand marshal of the event, which will include a coronation ceremony for best pet costumes, a weiner dog derby, a performance by That 80s Band, family- and pet-friendly games, unique bacon sampling for people and Beggin’ treats sampling for pets, and a photo booth.

▪  When: 1 p.m. Sunday

▪  Where: The streets of Soulard in St. Louis

▪  Admission: Free to spectators; there is a $10 registration fee for each participating dog, benefiting the Open Door Animal Sanctuary.

▪  Registration: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of 12th Street and Allen Avenue. Preregistration is available at www.begginpetparade.com

▪  Beggin’ Pet Parade: 1 p.m. Two bacon-inspired floats will lead the procession, followed by thousands of costumed pets and their owners.

▪  Coronation Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. at the corner of South Eighth Street and Lafayette Avenue. A team of judges will select the best dressed dogs to be named Mardi Gras King and Queen.

▪  Weiner Dog Derby: 2 p.m. Watch and cheer for the fastest Dachshunds in the country as their little legs churn in this entertaining, family-friendly race. A $10 registraton fee is required from each competitor upon pre-registration. It’s free to watch.

▪  Free Concert: That 80s band will perform at 2:30 p.m.

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 6:01 AM with the headline "Annual Mardi Gras Beggin’ Pet Parade brings creatively dressed dogs to St. Louis."