Edition: St. Louis Celebrates the Holidays
Quintessential St. Louis
Author: Erin Callier
Don't miss out on any partying during this winter's holidays.
'Tis the Season
Despite frequently freezing temperatures, the holidays are undoubtedly the warmest time of the year. This Thanksgiving morning head downtown as St. Louis does its part to warm things up with The Ameren St. Louis Thanksgiving Day parade. Giving Macy's a run for its money, the not-for-profit organization "Christmas in St. Louis" sponsors the balloon-filled event that attracts nearly 100,000 people and is broadcast throughout the Midwest each year. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org. The Missouri Botanical Garden (314-577-5100) does its part to make the holiday season fun and festive. On December 10th, the Garden celebrates "Chanukah: Festival of Lights," a traditional Jewish festivity including music, dance, and a menorah-lighting ceremony in a beautiful setting. For more information, visit www.mobot.org. Ring in the new year at First Night St. Louis, as downtown's artsy take on New Year's Eve. As host of First Night, the Grand Center Arts and Entertainment District welcomes the New Year alcohol-free, with fireworks, art exhibits, and musical performances. For more information, visit www.grandcenter.org.
Pardi Hardi!
A private party at its inception in 1980, the Soulard Mardi Gras has grown to large and wild proportions. This year's theme, "2007: A Novel Mardi Gras," celebrates the written word with lots of literary floats, food, drink, and over two million strands of beads. Event organinzers anticipate this will be the largest party Soulard has ever seen, reaching "epic" proportions reminiscent of Odysseus's Odyssey. Drawing hundreds of thousands, the Grand Parade takes place on Saturday, February 17, while other events include the delectable Cajun Cook-Off on February 3, the Taste of Soulard on February 10 and 11, the largest Pet Parade in the world on February 11, the black-tie Mayor's Ball on February 16, the Fat Tuesday celebration on February 20, and much more. Attend at least on of the myriad of events, so you can tell the tale of "A Novel Mardi Gras." Visit www.stlmardigras.org for details.
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
Since first opening in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden has acquired contributions from artists, architects, and scientists. Now, secluded oases and photo-ops abound within its 79 acres of natural and architectural splendor. Whether visitors come to brush up on their gardening techniques or simply indulge in personal reflection, the Botanical Garden – also known as Shaw's Garden, after its founder – offers a refreshing natural refuge in the midst of the city.
