Others offer kids spot in parade

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Other Mardi Gras organizations have offered to help two children who were left out of a Mardi Gras Parade.

Mardi Gras is a time for moon pies, fun, and cheers. But when the Conde Explorers parade rolled without it's two young Grand Marshals, the children were left in tears.

The president of the Explorers was arrested for disorderly conduct just before the parade. Following confusion, the children didn't get included. 

That image did not sit well with the president of another Mardi Gras organization.

"I just felt sorry for them not being able to experience Mardi Gras, and being able to participate in the parade," David Chapman said.

Chapman first heard about 4-year-old Starla Chapman more than a year ago. She’s battling a rare form of cancer. She made friends with Alabama football star AJ McCarron. McCarron wore the "Team Starla" bracelet he received from the child in two BCS Championship games.

Chapman said his civic organization the Krewe de Beinville is willing to let both children ride in their February 10 parade.

"We've got a couple of spots available that we could put a vehicle in or whatever it may be. I understand she would be riding in some sort of a car, probably a convertible or some sort, as the Grand Marshal. And we'd be willing to convey the same thing," Chapman said.

There's also an offer from Morningside Elementary, which sponsors an annual Mardi Gras coronation and parade each year. The idea came from teacher Dale Blackburn.

"It just seemed, with everything that they're going through, that they lost out on that. It's such a part of our culture here, and I thought it would be nice if we could get them involved in some other way," Blackburn said.

The elementary school parade is set for Friday, February 8. It follows a short route around the school neighborhood.