St. Louis tries its own Mardi Gras in Soulard on Saturday

ST. LOUIS -- Hundreds of thousands of revelers endured high winds and long lines for food and booze and even longer lines for portable potties at Soulard's Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday.

At one portable restroom, 54 people waited about 45 minutes to use two small and, by all accounts, stinky portable toilets.

"When I got in this line, I really didn't have to go, but by the time I got to the front I was like, 'Will you please hurry up,'" said Jason Davis of Springfield, Ill.

Despite the lines, organizers said the celebration was a success.

"It's been a good day," said Mack Bradley, a spokesman for organizer Mardi Gras Inc. "We've got a big crowd, but no significant problems."

Police reported the usual problems -- minors drinking, men urinating in alleys, drunks vomiting -- but arrests were held in the double digits.

"We've seen the typical Mardi Gras behavior, but there have been no major incidents," said Capt. Larry O'Toole.

As of 8 p.m., when the sales of alcoholic beverages outside ended, police issued 216 summonses and arrested 23 people. Most of the summonses were for underage possession of alcohol.

Juniper Grill, situated close to one of the free concert stages, poured pitchers of Hurricane cocktails and sold Cajun beef jerky. Owner Shannon Hughes was pleased with the day's take.

"The weather is cold, but that hasn't stopped people from coming out," said Hughes.

Hurricane Katrina appears to deserve little credit for Saturday's crowds. Many visitors said Soulard's growing reputation as a party destination -- not the devastation in New Orleans -- prompted them to make the trip.

"Why would you spend the extra time and money going to New Orleans when you can have just as much fun in St. Louis," said LeAnne Robinson of Springfield, Ill. "It's a great place to the watch the spectacle."