In the heart of Old Pasadena at the Old Towne Pub, the wildly unpredictable and legendary Doo Dah Queen Tryouts, a cornerstone of the annual occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, will see contestants of all genders, shapes, ages, and persuasions compete for a crown that is as coveted as it is unconventional Sunday starting at 4 p.m.
The winner will not only earn the title of “Doo Dah Queen” but also the honor of leading the 44th annual Pasadena Doo Dah Parade through the streets of Old Pasadena on Nov. 19.
The Parade returns to the streets of Old Pasadena this year.
The parade, affectionately known as the “twisted sister” of the conventional New Year Rose Parade, is a celebration of irreverent frolicking that has become a beloved local tradition.
The tryouts are as much a spectacle as the parade itself. Each contestant is given five minutes to impress and entertain a panel of judges that includes former queens. The performances are as diverse as they are eccentric, with contestants showcasing their unique talents and personalities in ways that often defy description.
Over the years, the parade has crowned a colorful array of queens. From “Sassy but Classy” Jennipha to Patrizzi Intergalactica, Red Rosie, Naughty Mickie, Tippi Headtrip and the Lost Language, Tequila Mockingbird, MeowMeoz, Susann of “Good Vibes, House Parties & Jabberwocky Jerk Sauce,” and the inaugural queen in 1978, “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom,” Dorothy Romani – each queen has brought their own unique flair to the role.
The tryouts will begin at 4 p.m., with the coronation expected around 6 p.m. However, as with everything related to the Doo Dah Parade, nothing is set in stone. The timing will depend on how events unfold throughout the day.
The parade itself promises to be a spectacle of imaginative art cars, mutant vehicles, marching “bands,” punk bands, performance artists, and disruptive political pundits. Notable participants include veterans such as Art Car Garage, Flying Baby Homestead Ales, Sierra Madre City College Marching Turkey Band, Radioactive Chicken Heads and newcomers like Indigo Bruise punk band and League of Women Voters of Pasadena Area’s Get Out the Vote campaign.
While there is a cover charge for attending the Queen tryouts, watching the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon filled with eccentricity and satire.
Those interested in participating in this peculiar extravaganza can visit https://pasadenadoodahparade.info to fill out an entry form. Whether you have a homemade conveyance or an art car or simply an affinity for country-western schtick – all are welcome.
Mark your calendars for the parade itself: the 44th Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade in Old Pasadena will be on Sunday, Nov. 19.
