Pasadena Doo Dah Queen Tryouts Set for Sunday at Old Towne Pub

Pasadena’s eccentric Doo Dah tradition is set to continue with the annual Queen Tryouts, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at the Old Towne Pub. Organized by the Light Bringer Project, the event serves as the gateway for individuals seeking to join the ranks of the parade’s quirky royalty. For those who consider themselves strictly normal, the organizers suggest they might want to stay away, as the atmosphere is designed to be anything but conventional.

The venue will host a vibrant gathering of queen hopefuls, former queens, and various local characters known for their distinctive personas. Attendees can expect to see figures such as Everlasting King Clayton, Magistrate Vince, Czar Tom, and the Duke of Doo Dah. The event will also feature Rocket Man, who serves as the emcee, alongside veteran parade entrants and supporters. The Light Bringer Project describes the crowd as including those who are simply too curious to stay away from the spectacle.

Live music will accompany the afternoon proceedings, with performances by Ma the Band. The central focus of the day is the competition itself, where participants must convince the Doo Dah community that they deserve to wear the crown for the year. The public is invited to observe and influence the selection process, allowing onlookers to weigh in on the glitterati who take the stage.

Time is a critical factor for contestants, as each participant is allotted only three minutes to present their case. Organizers encourage tryouts to be swift and impactful. They advise participants to dress extravagantly, interpreting that term in whatever way feels most authentic to them. The goal is to demonstrate unique gifts that make an individual the life of the party.

The range of talents accepted is broad and inclusive. Organizers list potential demonstrations including song, dance, gags, recitation, and impressions. Other acceptable performances include showcasing looks and vibes, juggling, pantomime, ventriloquism, sword-swallowing, plate-spinning, glass blowing, whistling, or even the ability to turn invisible. The search is specifically for someone who embodies the spirit of the Doo Dah parade.

The role of queen is defined by its lack of traditional boundaries. It is not exclusive based on gender, sexuality, race, class, or physical shape. Perhaps most notably, the role is not even limited by species. Organizers confirmed that lizards, birds, dogs, and various other critters have previously tried out for the position. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the event’s long-standing history.

The new queen will be crowned by the current reigning royal, Queen Bootleg Meg. This transition of power is a key moment in the Doo Dah calendar, symbolizing the continuation of the local tradition. The event is a joint production of the Light Bringer Project and the Doo Dah Preservation Society, ensuring that the unique culture of the parade is maintained and celebrated.

Practical details for the event include a sign-up period beginning at 2 p.m., with the formal competition starting at 3 p.m. The location is the Old Towne Pub, with the entrance at 34 Holly Street. Admission to the tryouts is free, though donations are welcome to support the event. Interested parties can find more information at the official Doo Dah Parade website.