ST. LOUIS – It’s all systems go as Mardi Gras season arrives in St. Louis. Excitement is building one week before the biggest parade of the season.

Big crowds turned out Saturday for a Taste of Soulard, and there’s perfect weather ahead for the pet parade Sunday.

In St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood, the streets are buzzing with excitement, local businesses are thriving and the Mardi Gras spirit is in full swing.

“It’s a big deal. It’s not just the beads, it’s the beauty of the floats like to experience it. People work all year long on these floats to get them out here so to cancel it would just be crazy,” said Taste of Soulard attendee Jessica Walsh.

“It’s just nice to see St. Louis can still have events where we can all feel eclectic. Like we’re all part of one community for a change” said attendee Jeff Whitaker.

On Saturday, several crowds enjoyed the Taste of Soulard, where local restaurants showcased their best dishes. Businesses also set up tents selling food and merchandise, giving a preview of Mardi Gras weekend.

“The Mac & cheese balls at Ray’s we’re really good. And the king cake. It was a gooey butter King Cake” said attendee Raquel Pitty-Diaze.

“Jumbo ramen at Stu’s. Stu’s jumbo ramen was really good. It was amazing” said attendee Sarah Clute.

Local businesses are prepared for the massive crowds expected for Mardi Gras. Ray’s Sportshouse is gearing up for its first Soulard Mardi Gras.

“We’re buying three times as much alcohol and food as we purchased before. We’re one of the only bars down here that will be open inside to the general public without a presale ticket so we’re trying to get ready for that volume,” said Corbin Ray, owner and operator of Ray’s Sportshouse. 

Mardi Gras is expected to draw nearly half a million people, so staffing up is just as crucial.

“We’re also bringing in a significant amount of front-of-house, staff specifically bartenders and servers that work at Mizzou currently. And they are going to help us that day to handle some of these crowds” said Ray.

This year’s Mardi Gras parade kicks off Saturday at Busch Stadium and rolls through Broadway, capping off eight weeks of celebrations that bring over $20 million to St. Louis’ economy.

With just days to go till the Bud Light Grand parade, Soulard is proving once again why it’s the home to one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country. So, grab your beads, raise a glass and get ready for a weekend to remember.