Mardi Gras 2016 In Soulard Begins With Tonight's 12th Night Celebration

The official 2016 Mardi Gras poster

Islanders will congregate tonight outside on Russell Blvd outside the birthplace of Soulard Mardi Gras for a highly anticipated announcement. At approximately 7 PM tonight, Mardi Gras Inc. Director Tim Lorson will emerge from the front doors of Johnny's at 1017 Russell. The crowds will hush as Lorson announces the Mardi Gras Board's decision. If revelers have their way, glorious words will emerge from Lorson's lips.

"The Board Has Decided That We Will Have Mardi Gras 2016", he will boom.

With those words, a joyous tradition will take place. Islanders, Mardi Gras revelers and other St. Louis dignitaries will march through the streets of Soulard singing the praises of the men who started the party, Bob Brinkman, Hilary Clements, Bill Coleman, Jim Rabbit and Bill Stubbs and the many who have kept it going in the years since. Barkeeps and restaurant owners will emerge from their establishments to give toasts to Soulard and the Mardi Gras season.

The parade will end at Rudy Commons in front of Soulard Market Park in honor of longtime Soulard and Mardi Gras friend Rudy Piskulick. More speeches will be made and the 2016 Rex will be crowned.

As the Soulard Mardi Gras flag is then raised over this glorious island neighborhood we call home, the 2016 Mardi Gras season begins in St. Louis. The next month will be marked with parades, concerts, a Family Winter Carvnival, parties and more. More than a few gallons of Bud Light and Southern Comfort Hurricanes will surely be consumed as well.

For more on the 2016 Mardi Season in St. Louis, check out this calendar over at RealLifeSTL.

We'll see you at 7 PM tonight in front of Johnny's. Be sure to bundle up.