The Mardi Gras season is upon us once again! The 2008 Mardi Gras season officially opened Saturday, January 6th, known as Twelfth Night, when the red and green of Christmas give way to the purple, green, and gold of Carnival. Traditionally on this night, Mardi Gras Inc, and its board of directors accept petitions and vote whether to continue the annual celebration. In case you were wondering, this year is no exception, and the party is on!

The proclamation was delivered Sunday night at Johnny's Restaurant in Soulard, at  7pm to a crowd of merry revelers. With drinks in hand to stave off the cold, and the St Louis Police to block the traffic, the King and Queen of Mardi Gras led the crowd on a musical procession through the streets of Soulard, stopping at most of the restaurants and bars in the neighborhood to announce the opening of the season.

Happy Mardi Gras!