American Legion Post 280 hosts Pasadena’s answer to Mardi Gras
The annual rite of passage for any self-respecting Pasadena resident is witnessing the event whereby a handful of select, semi – solid citizens interview, nudge and otherwise interrogate the candidates who have the inner strength and livewire persona to try-out for the coveted Doo Dah crown.
These eccentric Doo-Dah judges are hand-picked from an far-reaching list of nonconformists in town from cops to cowboys, millionaires to paupers and anyone in between.
There are no red coats or white suits here as with another famous parade held in Pasadena. No Corporate sponors. It’s not called the “Doo Dah Parade, presented by ….. blah blah blah” like another occasional parade usually held in the colder months. Instead, witnesses to this age old tradition will see a plethora of polyester, a myriad of mammary glands, and huge number of Elvis impersonators…and that’s just the warm up act.
How does a girl like Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica get to be a girl like Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica? We don’t really know, no one does. No one really knows what qualifies the particular candidate for such regal honors, expect perhaps for the payola a certain Judge might receive.
In fact, no one cares. It is all about exuberance and that’s the splendor of not only the Doo Dah Queen Tryouts but the parade which the new queen will lead in a few short weeks.
Doo Dah is self-expression at its basic core. Artists from all over the world have recognized the influence of the activities leading up to and including the parade.
Those light Bringer folks, who manage to pull this off every year, are extraordinary in every sense of the word. Patty Hurley and Tom Coston deserve tumultuous tributes and tips for the mere and nauseatingly necessary dealings with the establishment each year in pulling off this cross between Mardi Gras and Halloween .
The first 20 Queen hopefuls to arrive get in FREE (1 admission per Queen’s entourage). Each Queen Hopeful will have a few minutes to excite the Judges. Microphone and boom box, even drumroll, will apparently be provided. Be ready to give the judges a bloody good reason why YOU should be Queen. Royal and loyal followers generally buy the judges a beer (hic) to get their candidate a vote.
There is one “poll-watcher” during this election, Sierra Madre Sue. She, clad in her vintage referee outfit, she’ll control and eject anyone who gets out of hand with her famous whistle.
Attending the soiree will be egendary Snotty Scotty and the Hankies, Horses on Astroturf, Many former Queens, including the reigning Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica, Skittles, Mickie, Tequila, Sue the Ref, Grand Marshal Alan Zorthian, Goofball Judges, Andrew, Duke of Doo Dah, will inspire royal mayhem at this, the party of all parties on Sunday.
Contestants are usually outnumbered by equally-costumed judges, who include many former queens, and another hundred or so parade entrants, tryout supporters, Legion members, and the very curious public.
Sunday, April 7th, 2013 2:00 pm – Doors Open and live music begins, 3:00 – 4:00 pm – Doo Dah Queen Hopefuls Check-In; Judges arrive, 4:30 – 7:00 pm – Doo Dah Queen Tryouts @ 7:30 pm – New Doo Dah Queen is Crowned.
$5 cover; First 20 queen hopefuls to arrive are free! Cash only. If you are planning on trying out: 626-590-1134 Tryouts are open to everyone.
This is one of those, “you just gotta see it….” to believe it.
-Story and photos by Terry Miller