The dogs have the run of the pack in St. Louis’ Historic Soulard neighborhood on Sunday at the  18th annual Beggin’ Pet Parade and “Tail”gating Party, a Soulard Mardi Gras event.  While dogs are the main participants, the parade is open to pets of all stripe. Pets must be on leashes and accompanied by a human escort who is responsible for the pet’s waste.

If you missed pre-registration, you and your pet can still be part of the fun. Just print and fill out the online form or just show up at the corner of  Allen and Menard at 10 a.m. ready to party. Registration is $10 per pet.  Open Door Animal Sanctuary gets the proceeds. Each participant receives a goodie bag and certificate of participation. And, if your dog wants to, he or she can go for the world record’s loudest bark.

The event is free to gawkers. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m.  Click here to see the parade route.

If your pet is a dachshund, you might want to consider racing it in the 17th annual PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby which comes at the end of the parade. A local radio personality will call the race. Medals go to the winner and there area even racer pictures.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. at Soulard Market Park with  the first heat at 2 p.m. Your pooch can race in one of three divisions based on age–Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks, and Hot Dogs. At the end of the finals, a trophy  ceremony takes place in Wiener’s Circle. It’s $10 to register and run the race but it’s free to watch.  You can register your Dachshund here.