Purina Pet Parade 2010

Before the kick-off of the biggest game in football, one of the biggest pet parades in the world will hit the streets of St. Louis' French Quarter on Sunday, Feb. 7. Thousands of four-legged party animals of all shapes and sizes will flaunt with pride their Mardi Gras colors - purple, green and gold - and parade though the streets of Soulard for the 17th annual Beggin' Pet Parade and "Tail"gating Party. . The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. with a one-of-its-kind Beggin' float leading the way. One of the highlights of the Beggin' Pet Parade will be the coronation ceremony to select the 2010 Beggin' Court. Five lucky costumed canines will be chosen to be the King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Jester. And back by popular demand, the best group costume title of "Most Loyal Subjects". All five of the canine court members will take home royal titles, along with prizes including a year's supply of Beggin'ƒ Strips. Best of all, the 2010 Beggin' Pet Parade and "Tail"gating Party helps to raise funds for the homeless pets at the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local sanctuary featuring dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, waiting to find their forever homes. A required registration fee of $10 per pet, to benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary, will be accepted starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 7 at the corner of Menard and Allen. "The Beggin' Pet Parade and "Tail"gating Party is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to come on out and celebrate not only the kick-off of the Mardi Gras festivities, but the Big Game as well," says Tim Lorson, executive director of Mardi Gras, Inc. "Every year is a new adventure, and we are constantly entertained by the creativity and costume design of the thousands of pet owners who travel to St. Louis from all over the country to be part of this parade while supporting a great cause." For more information, visit www.begginpetparade.com.