Veronika MeowMeowz is Chosen Queen of the 38th Annual Pasadena Doo Dah Parade

In a jam-packed caucus of this year’s Doo Dah Queen Tryouts, post-punk rocker and East Pasadena alternative clothing shop owner Veronika MeowMeowz was selected to reign over this year’s parade monarch. The new Queen wooed over 30 judges by performing a song from her former band Untoward Children, full of daring, energetic, uncompromising sound reminiscent of Siouxsie Sioux.

Veronika is also a long-time resident who served as a special education teacher for the Pasadena Unified School District. Five years ago, she launched the MeowMeowz 1 Stop Rock Shop on Lincoln Blvd. in Northwest Pasadena. This was at the early stages of revitalization in a struggling corridor that’s now emerging with a variety of retailers. After a year, Queen Veronika opened up digs at her current East Pasadena location, coincidentally next door to the route of the Doo Dah Parade. The popular location is known for its cool, random items, fun atmosphere, and unique clothing, including a small, intriguing vinyl collection. Most who come there will tell you they adore the friendly, engaging spirit of its owner.

Upon receiving the royal nod, Veronika said she has been supporting the Pasadena community for years as a teacher, musician, and entrepreneur. She has “always loved the Doo Dah Parade and feels this is beyond an honor. Yes, I’m ready for the crown!”

Many more Queen Hopefuls threw their hats in the ring and provided hours of raucous entertainment to the audience packing into the American Legion hall. These include 1st Runner up – Jim Marrin, “One is the Loneliest Number,” 2nd Runner up – Meg Cole, “Meg Does the Ocean” of Malibu, 3rd Runner up – Marsha Berger, “ADA Wonder Woman.”Other contestants included American Legion Wienie Slinger 50/50, Cookie the Psychic Dog, Colorful Guy, Homeless Hoarder Louise, Perdue the French Maid & The Butler, I am a Big Woman, Diana Dream, Count Smokula, Bootsy Sterling, Candy From Strangers, Horny Hermie,
and Kristal Kira!

All the Queen contestants will be seen again as part of the Queen’s Royal Court at the 38th Pasadena Doo Dah Parade taking place on Sunday, November 22nd in East Pasadena. The Parade, known as the twisted sister of Pasadena’s more traditional Rose Parade, steps off at 11:00 a.m., is always free-of-charge to the public.

For more details on the parade and the new queen, please contact Patricia Hurley, Light Bringer Project at (626) 590-1134.