Sunday, April 29, 2012

Poo Dah

Due to unforeseen circumstances I wasn't able to make it to yesterday's Doo Dah Parade. That's lousy because yesterday's parade was, to me, the most important one ever. The Grand Marshall was Pasadena's outgoing public information officer and my friend, Ann Erdman. This year's Doo Dah Queen is also a friend. She's Dianne Patrizzi, the high priestess of flumwhatery, Princess Haha, Queen Patrizzi Intergarlactica.

So I don't have a photo of this year's parade. I took the above photo at the 2008 event. It gives you an idea of the parade's exuberance if not the parade itself, which is a massive crowd of insanity, music, tortillas and non sequitur. If the Tournament of Roses Parade poses the question, "Are all Pasadenans well-organized, pretty and wholesome?" the Doo Dah Parade answers, "Well no. No, we are not."

So, poo. I didn't make the parade. But there's video! Patrizzi had her well-deserved moment in the sun on a glorious day. And Ann, I hope, will always be involved with Doo Dah, which is brought to us by the Light Bringer Project, thank goodness. Because every town must have its flumwhatery.

If you're viewing this post on http://bestpasadena.com/, you are viewing a pirate site. This post was originally posted on pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com. Come on over! We'd love to have you. In the meantime, don't worry, we've got the law on it.

18 comments:

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Haven't been to a Doo Dah in eons.. I remember when we took our oldest when she was about 4 and she questioned what the parade was about... Even tho hubby explained in the most easiest way, somehow she didn't quite get it... lol... we all should be open and wide eyed like she was... I do like this action shot u captured!. :-)

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

Great action shot!

Petrea Burchard said...

Kalei, I think when I was four I would have completely gotten it! It's the time from four to about 40 when stuff like Doo Dah made less sense to me. But now of course I get it again.

Thank you, Valladolid!

Bellis said...

For an instant, I thought you'd made it to the parade yesterday. We were there, but didn't see anyone else - it was quite crowded, and most people had brought seats. Some folks are so organized!

Ann, the Grand Marshall, looked beautiful and had the perfect royal wave, while the ever-exuberant Diana was chanelling Princess Hahamongna, I think.

Quite a few of the old acts were missing - the pillow drill team, the sons of Lee Marvin, the Hibachi grillers shooting real hot dogs (only sweeties this time), and there were no John Muir drummers to close the show. Still, it's always a welcome antidote to the Rose Parade, which takes itself very seriously.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I was there behind the scenes on Nina street. And then I left for art on Palm

Adele said...

Great photo - the exuberance is catching. Now, if only I could get "Camptown Races" out of my head...

dive said...

That has to be one of the best photos I've ever seen of any subject, Petrea.
I've been sitting here in the rain in England, looking at photos and video footage of your Doo Dah Parade and wishing I'd taken the advice to "go West, young man" fifty years ago.

As it ain't going to happen now, would you please be so kind as to track down the lady in the pink wig, box her up and mail her over here?
Remember to poke airholes in the crate.

Bellis said...

Dive, it could be a man. You never know with Dooh Dah.

Petrea Burchard said...

Hahahaha! So very true. I chose this shot over some obvious men in dresses.

dive said...

Looking that good, I really wouldn't care.

Petrea Burchard said...

Dive, we need to find you a cutie astronomer.

Anonymous said...

I had to work yesterday, but somehow I think the Queen and Grand Marshall got along fine without us. Congratulations to them both.

BaysideLife said...

Have to agree with dive, that is one awesome picture. It conveys that "glad to be alive" feeling. What a fun event for a very good cause.

Ms M said...

Great action shot! And it doesn't matter that it wasn't taken at this year's parade. The video is fun to watch.
Hopefully you'll be able to attend the flumwhatery next year :-)

TheChieftess said...

I'm sorry...I just can't wrap my arms around the DooDah parade happening in May!!! It's supposed to be right after Thanksgiving...it's no wonder you missed the parade Petrea!!!

Margaret said...

I couldn't go either. I was at my college reunion having los of flumwhatery. I think.

Dandux said...

I read this and got stuck with the 'we've got the law on it'. Hopefully it'll all work out okay.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Dandux, that's very nice of you. It looks like the pirate site was taken down today. This was a lot easier than the last time it happened, and my fingers are crossed that it stays that way!