On Sunday, February 16th, the Krewe of Little Rascals rolled in Metairie. Founded in 1983 by Jack and Maureen Spittler, their goal was to give the children of the New Orleans area their own unique Mardi Gras experience. In 2024, the parade was cancelled after Jack Spittler’s death. This year’s procession saluted their late founder with a lead float with an empty seat.
With members ranging from age 2 to 19, 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.
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 3 Krewe floats plus the royal floats. Now the parade has 17 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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