Soulard is a historic neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. It is a thriving, eclectic area; and is home to the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States and a popular Farmers' market.
It's listed in the encyclopedia as the second largest. I didn't make it up. But if you want to think of Mobile or any other city as being "second largest" that's fine with me. Personally, I detest the idea of "mardis gras." :)
I hadn't even heard of the St. Louis Mardi Gras until you mentioned it.
I used to live near NO parade routes. I hate Mardi Gras.