On Sunday, February 1st, the Krewe of Little Rascals will roll in Metairie. Founded in 1983 by the late Jack Spittler and his wife Maureen, their goal was to give the children of the New Orleans area their own unique Mardi Gras experience. The krewe’s motto: “Today’s Little Rascals are tomorrow’s leaders and our hope for the future.”
With members ranging from age 2 to 19, the krewe was built to promote the qualities of leadership and self-esteem. The founders believed children should be children, and ALL children should have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential regardless of race, color, economic background, religion or special needs. The non-profit organization was name after one of Hollywoods most famous children’s group.
Today, a percentage of the krewe’s members come from agencies that serve physically and emotionally challenged children.
When the krewe began there were only three Krewe floats plus the royal floats. Now the parade has 18+ floats that are joined by marching groups, bands, horseback riding groups, car clubs and more.
Mardi Gras legend Arthur Hardy once wrote, the Krewe “Little Rascals is the longest running, most flamboyant, most successful organization for young people in the history of Mardi Gras.”
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