Renaissance SEPT 2026

4 - THE SOULARD RENAISSANCE - SEPTEMBER 2026 A cold and rainy Mardi Gras put a damper (pun intended) on parade day festivities, but the SRG Membership Committee gave the neighborhood a second chance to celebrate Peace, Love and Soulard! Invoking the 2026 Mardi Gras theme, the committee invited ev- eryone to put on their best tie-dye and bell bottoms and unleash their inner hippie at the annual membership party and drive that took place on May 6. With live music provided by The Woo Daddies, a delicious barbecue buffet fromBogart’s Smokehouse, some beauti- ful spring weather provided a celebratory atmosphere. The highlight of the night is always the presentation of the Soulard Star and Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year, STAR awards went to Betty Hamilton, Ann Austin and Jimmy Roberts. Billy Tomber received the Lifetime Achieve- ment Award in honor of his extensive service to the SRG. Billy has served on the board, worked on multiple com- mittees, is a past editor of the Soulard Renaissance , and is a beloved guide on the Parlour Tour. Congratulations to all winners, and thanks for your exceptional work on behalf of the neighborhood. After the awards, party attendees were treated to another rousing set of live Peace, love and Soulard: Take two! By Allyson Whipple Christina Del Azodi (left) and Julie Price (right) present the Life- time Achievement Award to Billy Tomber (center). Mark Lambert photo music while they ate, drank and con- versed until well after dark. Thanks to Jeff Weitzel and Susan Wiegand of Lark for being such gracious hosts and giving SRG members a chance to capture that Mardi Gras spirit! Jeff Weitzel (left) presents a Star Award to Betty Hamilton (right). Mark Lambert photo The Soulard Restoration Group and Soulard Business Association proudly present the Soulard Rummage Sale, a vi- brant community event that transforms the historic Soulard neighborhood into a sprawling marketplace. This cherished tradition invites residents and businesses to declutter their spaces and offer items for sale directly from their yards, garages, alleys, sidewalks and gangways. This year’s event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. In the event of inclement weather, the sale will be moved to Sunday, Sept. 27 at the same time. An event map will be avail- able prior to the event to help shoppers navigate the numerous sale locations, highlighting participating addresses and notable items for sale. The Soulard Rummage Sale offers a unique shopping experience and serves Soulard Community Rummage Sale to return in September By Topher Jaworski as a testament to the community’s com- mitment to sustainability and the circu- lar economy. Residents and visitors alike contribute to the reuse and repurposing of items, reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility. It’s an op- portunity to find hidden treasures, from vintage clothing and unique home goods to rare collectibles, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the Soulard neighborhood. Stop by SoulardMarket Park afterward for the Soulard Summer Concert Series featuring Boogie Chyld from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and grab a beer at the SRG booth. Soulard residents and businesses: Reg- ister to participate in the rummage sale at https://www.soulard.org/ by Aug.30. There is a $30 refundable reservation fee for those who actively participate on the day.