Pasadena Museum of History Takes on Unusual Exhibit – 35 Years of Doo Dah

This colorful, fun-filled exhibition will celebrate the wacky world of Doo Dah, named “America’s Best Parade” by none other than Reader’s Digest. The parade has garnered national and international attention, and spawned copy cat parades elsewhere, including in Columbus, Ohio, and Ocean City, New Jersey.
Beginning in 1978, the “occasional” Doo Dah parade took place sporadically: changing dates, season, and location in its characteristically casual – and some might say – disorganized way. The parade has always been controversial. Its detractors dismiss it as derivative, decry its in-your-face sexual and political humor, and are embarrassed to have it take place in a city such as Pasadena. Its supporters, who include former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, comedian Jay Leno, and actor Tom Hanks, say, yes…, that’s the point. No theme, no rules. Just glorious creativity and raucous eccentricity.

PMH’s exhibition What A Long Strange Trip It’s Been will include a photo wall of parade and crowd shots; vignettes of entries – including the Synchronized Precision Marching Briefcase Drill Team; costumes and memorabilia of various Queens and music groups. There may be more; but, to quote Ann Erdman, the Grand Marshal of the 2012 parade, “…this is Doo Dah after all, and one never knows…”
The exhibition is curated by a consortium of individuals including Tom Coston, Patricia Hurley, and Rosalind Schoen, all of Light Bringer Project, which sponsors the Parade; as well as Sue Behrens and Steve Vargas.

Hours: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm Wednesdays through Sundays.
Admission: $7 General; $6 Students & Seniors; Members & Children under 12 Free.
Free admission every “Community Wednesday” to anyone who lives, works or is a student in any of the following local communities: Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Eagle Rock, El Sereno, Glendale, Highland Park, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Temple City. Please mention this offer and show some form of i.d. in the Museum Store.
The Museum is located at Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena,

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