Taytro’s Twin City Mardi Gras Parade is set to start at noon Saturday, and organizer Luke Tetrault says interest in the event has surpassed his expectations.
The first-time parade is part of a day of Mardi Gras festivities to be held in downtown Festus and at Taytro’s Bar & Bistro, 331 N. Creek Drive.
“We stopped at about 60 (parade entries),” said Tetrault, whose family owns Taytro’s Bar & Bistro. “That’s floats, bands, walking groups, vehicles. We still could add more school bands if they contact me. The Jefferson College Jazz Band and the St. Pius High Marching Band will be in it. We have 30 different floats, all with different acts.”
The parade will travel along Main Street from Brierton Lane to Mill Street.
The Festus Tourism Commission is partially sponsoring the event with a $7,500 grant.
Festivities will begin at 11 a.m., with activities next to Petit Paree Restaurant & Lounge, 228 E. Main St.
Other events scheduled include:
■ 1-3 p.m. Kids art and fun tent next to Petit Paree.
■ 1-4 p.m. Live music by Steve Ewing at the Petit Paree parking lot and patio.
Tetrault noted that other area businesses will be open and taking part in the festivities.
All of the downtown events are free, other than refreshment purchases.
Activities at Taytro’s begin at 2 p.m., and there is a $10 cash-only cover charge.
The schedule of performers at Taytro’s will be:
■ 2 p.m. Infringement.
■ 4:15 p.m. Hellen Back.
■ 6:30 p.m. Bad Habit.
Parking with free shuttle bus service will be available with pickup points at St. Pius X High School (1030 St. Pius Drive in Crystal City), American Legion Post 253 (849 American Legion Drive in Festus) and at Festus Main Street.
For more information, visit the Taytro’s Bar & Bistro page on Facebook or taytros.com.