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Arts Sep 30, 2015
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– Photo by Terry Miller
Annual Display of Insanity Slated for Nov. 22; Queen Tryouts Oct. 18
By Terry Miller
Just when you thought it would be safe to get back out in the streets after the long and very hot summer, the ‘Occasional’ Pasadena Doo Dah Parade rolls up to celebrate 38 years of impudent cavorting on the streets of east Pasadena.
Going back in time, when the revelry was held in old Pasadena around Thanksgiving, the 2015 Spectacle takes place on Sunday, Nov. 22, commencing around 11 a.m., or whenever Snotty Scotty and his Hankies get out of church.
On Doo Dah day, “the street will swell with a memorable cast of local eccentrics, disruptors, pundits, the 2015 Queen and legendary Doo Dah house band, Snotty Scotty & the Hankies. Secret Santa, Doo Dah’s take on the North Pole icon, will close the parade and ring in the holiday season, “ ……..all this and so much more without harming a single rose,” so says Patty Hurley, Doo Dah’s Delightful Directress of Silliness.
The last, albeit wonderfully blatant dig at the parade’s big sister, The TOR—which also apparently holds a parade this time of year—is, of course, somewhat sinister, but nonetheless worthy of considerable note.
There are indeed, no dead flowers in the Doo Dah Parade, no white suits and it doesn’t cost 90 bucks to watch the show. Oh yes, and one more thing—the fun starts at a civilized time (late morning and on a Sunday…which of course would never happen in the Rose Parade world).
– Photo by Terry Miller
There is no Rose Queen or court here at the Doo Dah Raunch, but there will be a Doo Dah Queen (or perhaps king, who knows). Who will don the coveted, beer-crusted thorny crown this year is anyone’s guess, but rest assured that “person of interest” will be selected by a distinguished (some say extinguished) panel of beer sluggin’ judges at the annual Doo Dah Tryouts traditionally held at the American Legion Post 280. The date of this exceptional rite-of-Pasadena passage has just been announced, so stay tuned to Beacon Media for the latest and often very late updates. The date is Oct. 18 at 179 Vinedo St. in Pasadena. This is not to be missed.
Pasadena’s Doo Dah Parade began as a grassroots event in 1978 to gain national attention for its eccentric and, often, irreverent satire. The parade, which has spawned numerous off-beat replicates across the country and was named by Reader’s Digest as “America’s best parade,” and was recently featured in the book 50 Places You Must Visit Before You Die. To recount the fascinating and confusing history of Pasadena Doo Dah Parade since 1978, please visit their website’s archives page.
The 38th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade will be held on Colorado Boulevard in East Pasadena, Sunday, Nov.22, stepping off at 11 a.m. The parade is always free-of-charge. For more information, call (626) 590-7596. There will be an official Doo Dah after-party at American Legion on 179 N. Vinedo St. immediately following the event, featuring Snotty Scotty and the Hankies and Horses on Astroturf bands, dancing, cheap food and drinks. There is a $5 cover charge.
Unofficial Doo Dah after parties will be held at PooBah Records and Colorado Bar. The party at PooBah Records, one of Pasadena’s favorite independent music stores, and will feature a live, in-store performance and DJ. PooBah is located at 2636 E. Colorado Blvd., right on the parade route.
The fun at the famous Colorado Bar, located right next door at 2640 E. Colorado Blvd., will feature Drunk-in-the-Garage, along with salty chips and drinks. For more information, go to http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info.
– Photo by Terry Miller
