Beggin'(R) Pet Parade Celebrates its Sweet SixteenFebruary 2009 - Pets of all sizes, shapes and colors - purple, green and gold -put on their party hats and paraded through the streets of St. Louis for the 16th annual Beggin' Pet Parade that kicked-off the city's 2009 Mardi Gras celebration. As one of the world's premiere pet events, the Beggin' Pet Parade annually attracts more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people looking for a tail-wagging good time.
Thousands of four-legged party animals decked out in their most creative Mardi Gras-themed costumes and marched through Soulard, St. Louis' very own French Quarter, for the opportunity to grab some of their favorite treats and mingle with fellow pooch pals. A one-of-its-kind yellow Beggin' float led a massive sea of colorfully dressed dogs, cats, rabbits and other beloved pets towards the parade's conclusion at Soulard Market Park.
One of the highlights of this year's parade was the coronation ceremony to select the 2009 Beggin' Court. Five lucky costumed canines were chosen to be the King, Queen, ...