Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Wear Your Extrovert Genes

Did you know the Doo Dah Parade is coming up this Saturday? Did you know it's in a new location? Do you want to be in it? You could march with the winners of the Thorny Rose Award.

I just learned that Friends of Hahamongna (I'm a Friend) won this year's Thorny Rose Award and at the last minute has been invited to march in the parade. Each year, says the Pasadena Star-News, "the Thorny Rose is awarded to Pasadena's most controversial citizen or group by an anonymous committee of local socio-political observers." This year the observers had a hard time coming up with anyone cantankerous enough. The Friends of Hahamongna are pretty nice. But they just won't drop the Hahamongna issue, so I guess you could call them a thorn in someone's side.

Columnist Larry Wilson expressed concern that the Friends of Hahamongna might take the award as an insult instead of an homage. But the Friends are good-humored folk who see the Thorny Rose as an opportunity to spread the word.

A few weeks ago some of you joined in signing the petition at savehahamongna.org, asking the City Council to reconsider a 2003 decision to build soccer fields at Hahamongna (there's still time to sign). Now you can join the Friends of Hahamongna in the Doo Dah Parade. The parade starts at 11:00am this Saturday at 2627 E. Colorado Blvd. Look for the Friends of Hahamongna and join in the friendly chaos!

17 comments:

Cafe Observer said...

You're a thorny cankersores friend?

Shell Sherree said...

I didn't know the Doo Dah Parade is nearly upon you. Wishing you much friendly chaos, Petrea, for a great cause!

Petrea Burchard said...

Hmm, Cafe, I went back and checked my spelling. You're very close, and a good reader for a pooch. Pls reread.

Usually the parade is in November, so it took me by surprise, Shell. Thanks for your good wishes.

Mister Earl said...

Is the photo at UCLA?

Petrea Burchard said...

Yes it is, Mr. Earl. I took it last weekend at the LA Times Festival of Books. I can't access my old Doo Dah pics at the moment but I thought this character had the spirit.

Cafe Observer said...

Soory, P/ I'm ESL. Bark is my 1st language.

magicpolaroid said...

wow festival of book!great idea for spend time!
ciao, Luis

Lady J said...

I love reading this blog, even though I live all the way across the USA. The pictures and info take me on a mini vacation every time I view it.

Bellis said...

I hope as many people as possible join the friendly chaos wearing their most outrageous pair of genes. I'm sorry to be missing it - the Dooh Dah parade is always good fun.

Anonymous said...

I'll have to carry two purses in this parade.

Anonymous said...

Look out for the bee!

TheChieftess said...

I'm glad you said the Doo Dah is usually in November because I thought I was getting senile!!! I was sure it was around T-Day...like the Sat of T-day weekend or some such thing...And yet, after all these years of living in close proximity to Pasadena, I have yet to go to the DooDah parade!!! Does it wend it's way down Colorado???

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Luis. Yes, the Los Angeles Times holds the Festival of Books every spring. It's huge! We're very fortunate to have it.

Lady J, I'll just say that I've had a very long day, and to come home to your comment when I'm thinking of giving up is about the loveliest thing ever. Thanks for saying such nice things! You really made my day.

Will we ever see you again, Bellis?

Hiker, I'm not bringing a purse. It'll be easier for you, then, to carry Mary's and your own.

Okay, anonymous, will do. Thanks for the warning.

Chieftess, there's a new route this year. Click on the Doo Dah link to see it. The parade WILL NOT BE IN OLD TOWN, but further east. It looks like it will do a sort of East Colorado Blvd. circle.

mark said...

Sounds like a perfect event for some good people watching.

Katie said...

I love this sort of parade! The Doo Dah sounds a lot like the How Berkeley Can You Be Parade, which was unfortunately canceled last year. I'm always amazed by the creativity, costumes, music, etc. If you go I hope you take lots of photos!

Petrea Burchard said...

This will only be my third Doo Dah parade, but this year--THIS year, it looks like I'm going to be IN it, marching or waving some sort of frond with the Friends of Hahamongna. It should make for interesting people watching as well as photos.

Amy said...

Does anyone have some extrovert genes I could borrow?