Party with Lots of Pants

Humans, at least the ones around these parts, aren't very accustomed to surviving cold weather. Typically, to make it through a winter's day out of doors, St. Louisans have to bundle up and drink a special elixir called a hurricane. This beverage allows the humans to withstand temperatures outside their comfort zone, and have a good time while doing so. Puppy dogs are different. With fur everywhere, they can tolerate the chill better than their peeps -- and they can usually do so with panache and style, and without being sloppy drunk. Just another way that dogs are dynamite. To check out a bunch of crazy-awesome dogs, all in one crazy-awesome place, dress for the weather and get thee to the corner of Menard Street and Allen Avenue in Soulard for the tail-waggingly popular Beggin' Pet Parade, which is part of St. Louis' Mardi Gras festivities (www.mardigrasinc.com). Some dogs will walk au naturel, while others will prance in their Mardi Gras (or Halloween) finery -- all outfits are welcome and encouraged. If your pup would like to participate, bring along $10 to register him or her between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and be ready to stroll. All proceeds from the event benefit the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local no-kill shelter.
Sun., Feb. 7, 2010