Mardi Gras has crept up on us with the "U.S. Cellular Family Winter Carnival" kicking off the good times this weekend in Soulard.

As the name suggests, this event, which starts at 11 a.m., Jan. 23, is designed for families with children, not for adults who want to act childish. The events take place in a large heated tent in Soulard Market Park, which is on Lafayette on the south side of the market.

Activities include making costumes and masks as well as Karaoke and Science-Center designed fun (think Segway). A Guitar Hero contest and Rams-sponsored football skills contest will help kids burn off energy. Their artistic needs can be satisfied at the art wall. And capping the day will be a kids' parade at 4 p.m., stepping off from 9th and Lafayette.

Jan. 29

The Soulard Wine Taste is outside the neighborhood, at the Hilton at the Ballpark. From 5:30-9:30 p.m., Korbel, Little Black Dress, Bonterra, Hahn, Bin 36 and great Missouri wines will be available for "tasting." The cost is $30 in advance ($35 at the door).

Jan. 30

The Crystal Cajun Cook-Off takes place at the Casa Loma Ball Room, 3354 Iowa Ave., from noon - 4 p.m. The food prepared by the 10 professional and 10 amateur chefs in competition is for the judges only. But the $30 admission ($35 at the door) comes with four tickets for Cajun/Creole dishes prepared by Johnny's Bar and Restaurant.

And what's a ballroom without music? Spur performs for the cook-off. Later Hudson & the Hoodoo Cats will take the stage for the regular ballroom dancing. (Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Complimentary swing dance lesson 8-8:30. Dancing until midnight. $10)

Feb. 6-7

Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard offers a chance to sample the neighborhood's restaurants and pubs. For $25, seven taste tickets can be redeemed for six signature dishes and one taste of Southern Comfort. A free trolley runs on Saturday, and weather may make walking a good idea either day. The folks at Mardi Gras Inc. say they will have a list of participating restaurants up soon on its site: http://www.mardigrasinc.com/

Feb. 7

The Beggin' Pet Parade is another family-friendly event. Registration starts at 10 a.m., and the parade begins at 1 p.m. Hang out around the corner of Allen and Menard to see dogs (mainly) in costumes that range from fun to embarrassing. The $10 registration benefits the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local no-kill shelter. Note: Make certain your pet plays well with others because Mardi Gras Inc. and the St. Louis Department of Animal Control can ban participation based on "appropriateness" (we assume of the costume), "temperament and health."

Feb. 7

Dogs of a certain stature can participate in the PetSmart Wiener Dog Derby, in Soulard Market Park, rechristened for the day as Banfield Pet Hospital Stadium.

Dachshunds and their companions can register ($10) beginning at 10 a.m., with the races beginning at 2 p.m. The dogs race in three age divisions: "Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks and Hot Dogs."

Feb. 12

It's time for the fancy party apparel and glittery masks at the Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball in the City Hall Rotunda. No cheap date, tickets run $100-$500 -- although other balls are held by private krewes for less. But this is the official bash, and it supports local charities.

Feb. 13

From ball gowns the night before to the "Gateway Harley Gras" on this Saturday. Next to the Land Shark Stage at 7th and Geyer you can find, well, here's how Mardi Gras Inc. describes it: "Gateway Harley Davidson is back with a whole new ride. This year you can compete in a heads up race on two of the most ..... radical bikes around. That's right, Gateway is bringing out the tricycles."

No times are given, so we expect the trike races to take place early and often.

Feb. 13

River City Grand Parade is the name of the big one. It goes from Busch Stadium to Anheuser-Busch and people know to be on the lookout for beads and baubles. Watching the parade in the blocks closer to the stadium might be preferred for those with younger kids.

The merriment kicks off at 11 a.m.

Feb. 16

Fat Tuesday is the last night of celebration before Lent, and the "Lumiere Place Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade" can be a fun way to mark the changing times - before the Fish Fries on Ash Wednesday. The parade, from the Ed Jones Dome to Walnut, starts at 7 p.m.

Laissez les bons temps rouler -- and check the Mardi Gras Inc. site for more information.