What We Do for Fat Tuesday 2009 in St. Louis

St. Louis -- Fat Tuesday is a special day for my family as we prepare for Lent. Fat Tuesday in my mind is the sober mans Mardi Gras. Most of the heavy partying is done over the weekend at the countless Mardi Gras parades and celebrations which some are still recovering from. Using Fat Tuesday as another excuse to eat and be with family and friends has long been my only tradition during the Mardi Gras week.

In St Louis we have one of the largest Mardi Gras around but when it comes to aFt Tuesday celebrations the city is pretty timid. There is a parade of lights typically downtown and this year is no different. The parade is being held near the major downtown casino, Lumiere Place. (For more info go to https://www.mardigrasinc.com/2009Events/Fat-Tuesday.aspx ) The Parade of Lights is not until 7:30 at night and anyone with kids usually cannot go out on a weekday evening for a minor holiday. Other St Louis events can be found but usually are in neighborhoods and are not even close to as large as the Parade of Lights.

We usually keep things simple and use the opportunity to have a big meal and just be together. Our typical Fat Tuesday Meal towers over what we would typically have on any given weekday. We try every year to get the grill out and make a New Orleans style meal. We grill sausage and vegetables with whatever Cajun spices we can find at the grocery store. As the grill is pumping we make a large salad and many snacks to nibble on while the main course is heating up. If the weather doesn't cooperate a jumbo is our menu. We get the crock-pot out and use pretty much the same ingredients and allow them to cook all day.

We usually play board games and just enjoy our time together. Monopoly is the favorite but Trivial Pursuit is a not to distant second. You can play a board game or there are many sites that have themed games just for Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday www.theholidayspot.com/mardigras/partyacts.htm is one site that as numerous games and activates that you can enjoy with your family.

Many are attracted to the sights and sounds of Mardi Gras and fat Tuesday and feel obligated to attend one of the many featured events in there city. I believe you can make a celebration just as memorable and fun if you realize your goal of spending time with family and friends and just want to have fun,