Soulard Star Directory 2024

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2024 14 contnued on page 16 Other Soulard Organizations  FRENCHTOWN DOG PARK ASSOCIATION  The Frenchtown Dog Park Association (FDPA) was created in 2004 by residents to meet the needs of those with dogs residing in the Old Frenchtown Neighborhoods in St. Louis, which include Benton Park, Lafayette Square, LaSalle Park and Soulard.The FDPA’s mission is to provide an urban green space that offers a safe and secure environment where residents can exercise their dogs and socialize with their neighbors. It is the goal of the FDPA to eventually help provide similar green space in other neighborhoods. The John and LucilleWendling Soulard Dog Park is located off the alley near 10th and Emmet streets and is named for two early supporters and generous donors to the park.The current space, completed in 2006, is three- quarters of an acre of fenced green space where dogs and their owners can exercise safely in an enclosed area.The park is open to anyone in St. Louis city or county and currently serves residents in more than 10 ZIP codes.The dog park committee is always seeking to better the dog park experience and the dog park grounds. Annual fundraising events include Pooches Unleashed – Pet Parade Party, Pup Crawl, Pooches on the Patio and more.The park is also available for animal adoption events, meet-ups and organized social gatherings. In addition to theWendlings, the park was made possible by financial support from Michael Stokes,Alderman PhyllisYoung, Mardi Gras Foundation, as well as regular fundraising, financial and in-kind support of its members and friends. For more information or to contact the association:Visit frenchtowndogpark.com , email membership@frenchtowndogpark. com or president@frenchtowndogpark.com, reach us through X (formerlyTwitter) @frenchtowndogpk and Facebook.com/ frenchtowndogpark, or Frenchtown Dog Park Association, Box 13243, St. Louis, MO 63157. MARDI GRAS, INC.  Formed In 1999, Mardi Gras, Inc. produces the Soulard Mardi Gras Festival which features a diverse schedule of events. It kicks off with Twelfth Night on Jan. 6, and concludes with the Fat Tuesday Parade in downtown St. Louis. The Grand Parade is the most renowned of the festival’s events. For a complete listing of events please check the website, stlmardigras.org. Mardi Gras, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the Soulard Restoration Group, Soulard Business Association, Soulard Community Improvement District, Soulard Market, and the Kosciusko Business Association.The Board and staff work closely with residents, businesses, and governmental agencies to produce a festival that is fun, safe and economically viable. During the larger events this includes managing access and parking in the neighborhood, providing portable facilities, coordinating with safety and security agencies, and much more. In addition to producing Mardi Gras events, Mardi Gras, Inc. and the Mardi Gras Foundation serve as year-round resources for the Soulard neighborhood. In recent years Mardi Gras, Inc. and the Mardi Gras Foundation helped fund the year-round Sts. Peter & Paul Neighborhood Clean-Up Program, the Soulard Entryway Project, the renovation of the Soulard School façade, the Frenchtown Dog Park, the installation of permanent electric power in Soulard Market Park and wrapping Pontiac Square Park and Soulard Market Park in ornamental iron fencing. For more information about Mardi Gras, Inc. or the Mardi Gras Foundation please visit the website at stlmardigras.org, call 314-771-5110, or visit their offices at 2200 Dolman Street in Soulard. SOULARD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION  The Soulard Business Association was founded in 1987 to facilitate organization and communication between the diverse businesses and non-profits within the neighborhood. SBA’s mission is to be an advocate for all members; promote marketing and beatification initiatives; and support, fund, and organize community events that appeal to locals and visitors. Businesses, non-profits, and individuals can support the SBA through modest yearly dues. Annually, SBA assists in organizing the Bastille Day Parade and Oktoberfest, publishes the neighborhood’s business map and directory, manages the production and distribution of the Official Soulard Mardi Gras shirts and posters, and markets neighborhood businesses though Sample Soulard Sunday, the Passport Program, and the Business Highlights initiative.The Directors are: Jim Lettau, MarybethWallace, Cory Hammerstone, Mike Crossno, Laura Leister, PatrickWebster,Tom Gullickson,Tom Murphy, and Shawn Caruso. To learn more about the Soulard Business Association and its members, visit www.historicsoulard.com , and be sure to follow soulardstlouis on Instagram.