Purina Pet Parade

At the world’s largest costumed pet parade, we combine all the fun of Mardi Gras with all the AWWWWs that the most adorable parade participants deserve. It is free to watch and easy to head straight to the Taste of Soulard or Wiener Dog Derby after the parade wraps up.

If you have a precious pet who belongs in the parade, register your furry friend beforehand online or on the day of the event at 12th and Allen so you both can strut your stuff in style. The best dressed pets will be selected as members of the Court of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus and will be invited to the Coronation Pageant at Soulard Market Park where the King and Queen of Barkus will be crowned.

All proceeds from the Purina Pet Parade will benefit Open Door Animal Sanctuary.

Parade Route

The Purina Pet Parade Route Map can be found on the Maps and Parking page. 

BOS Shoebox Float Gallery

Sponsored by Bank of Springfield

What's a parade without the floats! Well children from across St. Louis are invited to design their very own Mardi Gras float using shoeboxes. This one-of-a-kind activity will challenge everyone's creativity and craftiness, and get the experience of being the Mardi Gras parade director. 

Every child who enters a Shoebox Float in the online Gallery is welcome to bring their Shoebox Float to the BOS Float Gallery at the February 12 Purina Pet Parade in the staging lot at 12th and Allen and is invited to ride an actual Mardi Gras float in the February 12 Purina Pet Parade (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and completed the waiver). In order to submit your float to the BOS Online Gallery and be eligible to ride a Mardi Gras float in the February 12 Pet Parade click the button below.

Each Mardi Gras Shoebox Float Designer will need to:

• Pick a Krewe Name (examples: Krewe du Kevin, The Wild Krewe of Wambats, Glitter Krewe)
• Float designers will have to dream up a theme based on our 2023 Soulard Mardi Gras theme, "That's Entertainment!" Or, designers may choose a completely different theme based upon the theme "Celebrating Children — Being the Best YOU!"
• Choose the color scheme for the float. Remember, the traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold, but other color schemes can be used for the float's personal theme.
• Use a shoebox as the form for the mini Mardi Gras float. Attach the back of the shoe box lid to form a backdrop for the float. Feel free to use multiple shoeboxes depending on your chosen theme. Dream big!

Need creative inspiration? Here are Mardi Gras supplies you could use to decorate your Mardi Gras float. But you have the freedom to be as creative as you can be! 

• Mardi Gras beads
• Purple, green, and gold craft feathers
• Mardi Gras coins
• Mardi Gras garland
• Mardi Gras flags
• Metallic crown decorations
• Tinsel pipe cleaners
• Mardi Gras beads
• Glue and/or tape

Get creative and get creating! It's time to let the good times roll! Once you have completed your float, snap a photo and fill out the entry form below!