Tony La Russa to be Grand Marshal of the 2015 Beggin' Pet Parade

It was announced late last night via a tweet from Mardi Gras, Inc that former St . Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa will server as the Grand Marshal for the 2015 Beggin' Pat Parade in Soulard. The 22nd Annual Beggin' Pet Parade will take place this Sunday in Soulard as part of the 2015 Soulard Mardi Gras schedule.

We are so psyched that @TonyLaRussa is the @Beggin Pet Parade Grand Marshal, we're having kittens! Join us Saturday! pic.twitter.com/KTyWCrItN5
— St. Louis Mardi Gras (@STLMardiGras) February 4, 2015

La Russa is a huge animal advocate and is the co-founder and chairman of Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation. la Russa managed the St. Louis Cardinals from 1996-2011. The team went 11408-1182 in those games while winning 3 National League Pennants and 2 World Series Titles. La Russa's career managerial record was 2728-2365 in 33 seasons where his team's won 6 League Pennants and 3 World Series Titles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 2014.

Any humans wanting to participate in the parade with their pet can register for a suggested donation of $10. Registration has moved to the corner of 12th and Allen this year and will begin at 10am. The parade will kick off at 1pm and then Blues Traveler will take the stage on 9th street for a free concert. There will also be a costume contest this year after the parade with prizes in three categories, Best Sports Personality, Best Mardi Gras and Best Celebrity Look-Alike. The winner in each category may choose from either $1,000 or a St. Louis Cardinals ticket package.

The first heat in the Wiener Dog Derby will begin at 2 pm at Wiener Stadium in Rudy Commons in Soulard Market Park.

Here's Rick Swesen of Nestle-Purina and Tracy Quackenbush of Open Door Animal Sanctuary discussing the festivities on Fox 2 News in the Morning.