Working on a story about summer 2010?  How are families dealing with the economy?  What exciting things are there to do -- that are free, take advantage of beautiful downtown St. Louis and fun for kids of all ages?

The simple answer?  The 133rd Annual Veiled Prophet Parade

One free visit to downtown St. Louis will offer all the variety and excitement of a vacation trip via through the magic of the Veiled Prophet Parade on July 3rd.
 
Even though fewer Americans are traveling this year, St. Louis is still one of the Top 10 destinations:
 
LINK: http://press.hotwire.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=193
 
And the Veiled Prophet Parade has been named one of the nation’s 10 best by USAToday:
 
LINK:  http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2008-06-26-fourth-of-july-parades_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
 
NOTE to Editors:  Want a behind the scenes tour of floats under construction?  Ever want to try on one of the hundreds of costumes used during the Parade?  Want to try carving styrofoam into a magical character? 

Visit the VP float-building shop for a behind-the-scenes preview of magic in the making.  Contact Bob Schenk -- (314) 570-5916, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Larger versions of these photos are available on the Photos Page.  These are recent shots from the Veiled Prophet headquarters where artisans and wardrobe designers are busy preparing for this year's Parade.  Come visit us!

VIDEOS

Ever wondered who builds the magnificent floats or how all of the costumes are made?  Ever wanted to get a "sneak peak" or personal tour of the headquarters of the Veiled Prophet Parade with the Artistic Director, Bill Griffin?  We invite you to view these videos to get a better understanding of how the Veiled Prophet Parade comes together.

2009 Veiled Prophet Parade Preview with Bill Griffin, Artistic Director 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s74Yzl_f_dg

2009 Veiled Prophet Parade: From Small Blocks of Styrofoam to Works of Art

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OolU64PilIY

2009 Veiled Prophet Parade:   A Sneak Peek at the Costume Shop

2009 Veiled Prophet Parade A Sneak Peek at this Year's Floats

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyq54T2oNKE

2009 Veiled Prophet  Parade:  Community Service Initiative Float