Luke Tetrault of Taytro’s Bar & Bistro in Festus is inviting local groups to sign up to participate in the Mardi Gras Parade he is organizing for March 1, and he encourages those who are interested to register quickly.
It will be the first-ever Taytro’s Twin City Mardi Gras Parade, which will start at noon and travel along Main Street from Brierton Lane to Mill Street in Festus.
“We’re looking for anyone who wants to participate,” Tetrault said. “I’m looking locally – for people from the Twin Cities. We want businesses, schools, organizations, dance groups.
“We want to see artistic expression with floats. We want any type of performance groups, including (people in) costumes.”
He said no fee will be charged to sign up for the parade.
However, organizers do not want to overbook the new event, and quite a few groups have already signed up, Tetrault said.
The deadline to register is Feb. 15.
“The cutoff will not apply to schools,” Tetrault added.
He said the parade route is short, and that’s by design.
“I want a party atmosphere,” he said. “It’s the same reason a comedian likes a small room.”
The Festus Tourism Commission awarded Tetrault a $7,500 grant to help put on the parade and related festivities.
He said Taytro’s Bar & Bistro, 331 N. Creek Drive, Festus, which his family owns and operates, has put on Mardi Gras events since 2011, but is expanding its celebration this year with the parade.
“The parade will be family friendly,” Tetrault said.
He said a kids’ tent will be set up at the Petit Paree Restaurant & Lounge, 228 E. Main St., in Festus.
Tetrault said other businesses will participate in the Mardi Gras celebration, which will include live music at the kids’ tent and at Taytro’s.
“We’ll have shuttle buses picking people up at designated parking areas,” Tetrault said. “The shuttles will go to Taytro’s, Main Street and the American Legion (849 American Legion Drive in Festus). The shuttles will also go to hotels. There’s no charge for the shuttles.”
To register to participate in the parade, visit ow.ly/LtRn50UBqXw.
For more information, go to the Taytro’s Bar and Bistro Facebook page.