For those of you looking for a daytime Valentine’s date venue or just a family outing, SoMa is the place to be tomorrow. The annual neighborhood Mardi Gras Parade starts at noon. It runs from 24th and Main streets to 12th and Main. Before, during and after, most every restaurant and shop along the South Main strip will have something special going on. That includes Piro Pizza, which is opening for the parade ahead of its official Feb. 17 opening. 

The big draw after the parade is the Root Cafe Beard Growing Contest, which takes place in Bernice Garden. The Arkansas Times is a sponsor. Renee Shaprio hosts and Graham Gordy, Jessica DeLoach Sabin and Kathy Webb judge. Check out pictures of the contestants at shave-in. My money is on Ian “Unibrow” Mensik. 

Advertisement