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All dogs, regardless of breed, have a few traits in common: they sniff each others' backsides, go to heaven, crave bacon, and have an innate desire to don Mardi Gras attire. The only problem is, they rarely have the opportunity to indulge themselves in wearing purple capes or figure-flattering boas. So appease your pooches or other precious pets by taking them out this Sunday for the 19th annual Beggin’ Pet Parade at 1 p.m. in Soulard.
Additionally, for those pet owners with dachshunds who live for dashing or have earned nicknames like “Benny the Jet,” the 18th annual PetsMart Wiener Dog Derby will commence at 2 p.m. shortly after the parade finishes.
“They are the most crazy fun family events in the universe,” said Mack Bradley, the Foreign Minister of Soulard Mardi Gras, of the animal-friendly entertainment for Sunday. Both events are free to attend for spectators or human participants, and it costs only $10 to register your little (or not so little) buddy. All proceeds from the Beggin’ Pet Parade go to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local no-kill animal shelter; proceeds from the PetsMart Wiener Dog Derby benefit the Dachshund Rescue foundation as well as cover operating costs. Register online at mardigrasinc.com or in person on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Although dogs usually constitute the majority of the pet parade participants, all parade-suitable pets are welcome, including your pet iguana with a penchant for miniature feathered masks. Previous parades have included birds, mildly horrified cats, horses, and of course, llamas. Bradley assures that between Purina’s large presence at the event and that of the St. Louis Department of Animal Control, there have never been any problems amidst the consolidation of animals. “With around 7-8 thousand animals, there’s a lot of sniffing going on, but the pets seem to pick up the spirit of the occasion very well,” said Bradley. However, pets are subject to the approval of both Mardi Gras Inc. and Animal Control.
The parade begins at the registration site on the corner of Menard and Allen, and goes through the heart of Soulard. Conveniently, the parade route ends at Lafayette and Eighth near the entrance to Soulard Market Park where the Wiener Dog Derby is held.
With ears flapping, paws scurrying, and hotdog-shaped champions being born, the Wiener Dog Derby is probably best described as absolutely hysterical. There are three divisions based on age, cleverly named after various synthetically encased meats, such as the Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks, and Hot Dogs. “Some wiener dogs, I swear, their feet never even touch the ground. The laws of physics don’t apply,” said Bradley of the races. The winners of each division receive trophies in the “Wiener’s Circle” after the races.
As if the four-legged masquerade parade and an ESPN-worthy canine sporting event isn’t enough, there will also be a photo booth, games, Grillmaster bacon samples and a costume contest in store for the afternoon. Your afternoon will surely be re-barkable.
