March 14 — also known as 314 Day — is right around the corner, and celebrations honoring all things St. Louis started Sunday with events planned throughout the week.
The hometown holiday is marking a milestone this year. According to co-founder Tatum Polk, the celebration is now in its 20th year.
Polk and fellow co-founder Terrell “Young Dip” Evans first came up with the concept years ago as a way to celebrate the city they both call home.
“We were both champions for the city, both born and raised in the city,” Polk said.
Since then, the celebration has grown into a weeklong series of events highlighting the culture of St. Louis.
“There’s many facets of that,” Polk said. “We try to make sure that there’s something to do for everybody. We dive into the sports, we dive into food, and we dive into music and the arts.”
Polk said the goal is to reflect the diversity of the city and bring people together.
“This is a melting pot of America right in the middle of the country,” he said. “There’s so many different cultures, and it’s how do you celebrate it for yourself.”
One of the signature traditions each year is a prayer march and community photo at the Gateway Arch.
“We do our prayer march around the Arch because this city is also very heavily influenced by its faith,” Polk said.
Afterward, people gather on the Arch steps for a large group photo taken at 3:14 p.m.
“It feels almost like a yearbook picture where every year it just grows and grows and grows,” Polk said.
Businesses and organizations can also take part in the celebration.
Polk said those interested in getting involved can learn more at the 314 Day website.
Beyond the events, Polk said the day is also about pride in the community.
“In the grand scheme of things, it’s important to have civic pride and take care of where you’re from,” he said. “If you take care of your own neighborhoods and small businesses, then we’re able to put that back into the community.”
Events and specials are held from Sunday through March 14.