The 2024 Doo Dah Parade Queen (L) and her Court (Photo – pasadenadoodah)
On Sunday, October 27, the Old Towne Pub hosted queen tryouts for the illustrious Pasadena Doo Dah Parade. The stage was set with raucous live music from Ma the Band, Doo Dah glitterati, exuberant fans, former members of the royal court, and queen hopefuls.
By News Desk
Sparrow Dena, a Pasadena native, won the royal judges’ hearts at the Doo Dah Parade Queen tryouts with a lively and pitch-perfect ukulele performance of an original song titled “infinite smoking.” They bedecked themself in a zebra print bodysuit and mini vinyl record necklace to represent their deep love of music, complete with a black cowboy hat replete with metal, ribbon, and butterfly decorations.
How did I get here?
Third time was the charm for the newest queen. When remarking on their previous attempts to be crowned Queen of the Doo Dah Parade, Dena mentioned feeling that they had stiffer competition than ever before. After being crowned, Dena exclaimed “How did I get here?”
Fourteen contestants vied for a chance at the crown, including rainbow-scaled mermaid Kittylicious, the devilish Christine Mascott, Leelu the miniature-crowned-Lizard, punk-rocker Jenni O., “One Night Only,” The Pantyhose Queen, The Fun Monitor, Ultimate Hippie Peace Guy From the 60’s, Beachy the Celebirdy, The Hanna & Ann Show, and Count Smokula. The crowd was entertained by dramatic readings, impassioned speeches, dance parties, singing, and an accordion performance. While the former queens caucused and the public voted 2010 Doo Dah Queen Erica Valentine rocked the house on their guitar until the magic moment.
Members of the court
Dena will be joined on parade day by newly decreed members of the court: Royal Night, awarded to Romo the Robo (Rome Romanne), and the Royal Light, awarded to a youthful Helen Roper look-alike (LoriLee King-Beckman). These two new royal titles will support Dena on parade day in bringing the spirit of Doo Dah–boisterous, sardonic, and all-inclusive.
This year’s elaborate and bedazzled Queen crown was handcrafted by Doo Dah Preservation Society’s co-founder Veronica Andrade while the Royal Night and Royal Light crowns were crafted by Light Bringer Project’s Valentina Gomez. Each was presented by Natalie Flores, Queen Mama Sunshine of the 2023 Doo Dah Parade.
Sparrow Dena is a local musician and has played since the age of 2. After college, they found their voice and have been writing their own songs for over a decade now. They also contribute poetry to a local writing group called Zzyzx, who write to “the midpoint between nothing and inspiration.” Dena believes that participation in the arts, of any kind, improves the world. As Queen, they intend to encourage an era of cultural prosperity.
Tom Coston, spokesperson for the Light Bringer Project, which produces the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade, told the audience that this year’s event may consist of the largest number of entries ever. “The energy at the Queen Tryouts was so positive and energetic we cannot wait to bring the Parade to the public in just a few weeks.”
THE PARADE: Known as the twisted sister of the conventional Rose Parade, the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade celebrates 45 years of irreverent frolicking in Old Pasadena on Sunday, November 24. This year’s event is co-produced by Light Bringer Project and the Doo Dah Preservation Society.
The Pasadena Doo Dah Parade will take place on Nov. 24, 2024, at 11:00 am. And… not a rose will be harmed in the making of this parade!
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