Ah, spring. Birds chirp, showers bring flowers, and local festivals abound. One of the finest for 44 years, the Valley of Flowers Festival takes over old town Florissant Friday through Sunday (May 4 through 6). What began as a celebration of Fleurissant's (Valley of Flowers, get it?) founding in 1786 has evolved into an entire weekend of floral frivolity. Talkin ´bout bingo, beer garden, carnival rides, washer tournaments and game booths at the Knights of Columbus grounds and St. Ferdinand Shrine (Rue St. Francois and Graham Road). Talkin ´bout the Jabali African Acrobats, Bam the Blue Barrel Percussion Group, the linguistic gymnastics of the Mayhem Poets and the street theater of the Mechanical Man at the Florissant Civic Center (Parker Road and Waterford Drive). And lets not forget the Tot Wheels Parade, the Grand Parade and the coronation of the Valley of Flowers Queen and her Court. It is insane, this town's party! Admission is free, but rides and concessions require some pocket money. A complete schedule and map are at www.florissantoldtown.com; call 314-837-0033 for more information.
May 4-6