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Colorful masks and decorations on a purple background
Nadine Soaib was living a wild Soulard party life in 1979. Her third-floor apartment, at 1017 Russell, featured a mirrored ceiling and a saltwater aquarium, and in the backyard was an enclosed hot tub she shared with her downstairs neighbor, Soulard Mardi Gras founder Hilary Clements.
“The hot tub was notorious,” Soaib begins. “Oh, my gosh, the parties we would have there. It was enclosed with plexiglass and would get really steamy. In the winter, we’d run up and down the back stairs naked.”
The first Soulard Mardi Gras, in 1979, began in the commercial space on their building’s first floor. Soaib, who owns Nadine’s, a bar and restaurant around the corner, doesn’t remember a whole lot about it.
Because of the pandemic, Mardi Gras Inc.—the organization that produces the festivities—has made nearly all official events virtual, meaning that there will be no grand parade, and packed streets are strongly discouraged. The organization will not provide the typical rows of port-a-potties; however, it will still take care of trash collection.
Mark Your Calendar
Mardi Gras Inc. will host some socially distant events, including a Drive Thru Taste of Soulard.
Most venues, including 1860s Saloon and Hardshell Café, will be hosting intimate ticketed events. Hardshell owner Tom Gullickson, among the original Mardi Gras pioneers, is also president of the Soulard Business Association.
“Everything is going to be scaled down, private, and controlled—no street vendors. You’ll want to plan ahead,” he says, meaning that you should contact your preferred establishments to make arrangements.
Gullickson’s place will have live music in three rooms and will be serving Cajun and Creole food.
Soulard is known for its ubiquitous golf carts, and residents who agreed to speak off the record are planning roving golf cart parades, similar to what they did for Pride last summer. (Both Mardi Gras Inc. and the Soulard Business Association stress that these are not official or sanctioned events.)
Soaib will take this opportunity to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate those early years when, she says, Soulard Mardi Gras was basically an overgrown house party. The theme at Nadine’s will be “Back to Our Roots.” There will be a drag show emceed by “Queen of Controversy” Janessa Highland, and her cast will sport looks from 1979. Guests are encouraged to do the same.
A few members of the Krewe of the Lustful Lushes will be tossing the finest throw beads from the second floor of Nadine’s. If they get swept up in the nostalgia, maybe they’ll even run down the back stairs naked—except for their masks, of course.
MORE TO KNOW
Mardi Gras Fashion
FOR THE “MAVEN OF MARDI GRAS,” THE SHOW MUST GO ON.
“Maven of Mardi Gras” Luann Denten will not be able to throw her decadent Vices and Virtues Ball this year, but she couldn’t let the high holiday go by without providing her courtiers at least a taste of the indulgent spectacle they’ve become accustomed to. Denten, or “The Maven,” as she is known in Soulard society, is partnering with producer Chuck Pfoutz to launch a virtual Mardi Gras fashion show.
“The event will showcase Soulard, which is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and will pay homage to iconic Soulard places and events and will also tease Soulard Mardi Gras history,” she says.
The Maven has traveled the world for inspiration over the years, including a 2014 trip to Venice for Carnival, where she participated in seasonal pageantry, including an opulent ball. In any given Mardi Gras season, she has created up to 30 original costumes for her attendees. The show, which will feature her dazzling works, as well as those of a few other local designers, will take place at 7 p.m. February 7. Viewers can stream.
