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The Twelfth Night after Christmas, is traditionally the beginning of Mardi Gras Season on January 6. The Soulard Mardi Gras started as a small private party in 1980. The annual celebration has grown to become one of the world's largest Mardi Gras parties, drawing tens of thousands from the Midwest into our little streets of Soulard to party, eat and drink, catch beads, wear Mardi Gras costumes and generally just have lots of fun. The Grand Parade has gotten so huge that it no longer snakes through the small streets of Soulard. It now starts from Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis City and travels south on Broadway ending in Soulard at Anheuser Busch. You will commonly here it called the St. Louis Mardi Gras. For more information about 2012 Soulard Mardi Gras events and festivities, check out the OFFICIAL Mardi Gras Inc. website.

Here are some unique local Soulard shops that you truly must stop in for your Mardi Gras needs:

• La Belle Histoire is located on the corner of Victor and South 12th Street at 2501. They have a wonderful selection of Elaborate Masquerade Masks, Fleur De Lis Ornaments, Sparkling Jewelry, Hand Painted Silk Scarves, Vintage Inspired Home Décor and so much more.

• The Porch located at 1700 South 9th Street have great Fleur De Lis gifts, Venetian Masks and don't forget their wine selection.

• Remember Me Vintage Clothing and Costume Rental located at the corner of Menard and Russell has beautiful ball gowns and flapper dresses, as well as a nice assortment of beads, fantasy masks and costumes.

• Johnnie Brocks is not located in Soulard, but can be found in neighboring McKinley Heights on 1900 South Jefferson. They have an endless supply of Mardi Gras merchandise for all your needs.

If you want to shop for Mardi Gras with out leaving the comforts of your home, check out these two websites:

• For those of you that might be out promoting your your business that day, you might want to check out Mardi Gras Throws.com. They specialize in wholesale and customization of Mardi Gras supplies, like Mardi Gras beads, feather masks and plush toys.