In many ways the cities of New Orleans and St. Louis has been considered sister cities for many reasons. Although I would not say they are twins, but they do have a multitude of similarities starting with both are tied together by the Mississippi River which makes both cities ideal stops for the river cruise lines. Both cities were founded before the birth of the United Sates and saw early settlers develop and under the French and Spanish Rule. Its origins are tied to our city when the founder of St Louis, Pierre Laclede, a Frenchman, came up the Mississippi River from New Orleans in 1763 to set up a trading post for the Louisiana Fur Company along the west bank of Mississippi River, in the French held Louisiana Territory. So visitors will see lots of French architecture.
In more modern days, St. Louis and New Orleans is considered on the music trail together. Visitors will find speakeasies that blast live jazz and blues all night. Another thing both cities have in common is the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. And if you are looking for a place to fly away for a quick weekend, make it St. Louis the weekend of September 27 – 29, 2024 for Tower Grove Pride. Join the fun for St. Louis’s 11th annual community-focused Pride festival in the heart of the beautiful Tower Grove Park.
This historic park dates back to1868 and makes a fitting location for Tower Grove Pride which boasts over 300 Booths featuring local artists, crafters, nonprofits, and businesses, local food booths and trucks, games and activities, two stages of local music and drag performances, a skate rink and a Sunday new Orleans style walking parade. This is where I will make an appearance in full costume promoting the fabulous Krewe of Armeinius and our wonderful city of New Orleans. And weirdly enough their mascot on their promotional materials is a flamingo and guess who has a fabulous flamingo costume created for Southern Decadence; this guy that’s who. I love when a costume can be recycled!
I am staying at the gorgeous Angad Arts Hotel (https://www.facebook.com/angadartshotel) which is offering a discount for guests coming into the city for the Pride festivities. To learn more about the festival and sign up to participate go to https://www.towergrovepride.com/
