Celebrate Zaniness at Columbus' Doo Dah Parade

Sure, you can see politicians waving American flags in just about any run of the mill Independence Day parade. But politicians being required to poke fun at themselves and wear a funny hat?

You'll have to go to the Doo Dah parade in the Short North district of Columbus, Ohio to see that. The main mission of the parade is to celebrate general lunacy and fun.

The Doo Dah parade, according to the event's disorganizer Joe Theibert, is to show "sarcasm at its finest." Not a rally or protest of politics and current events, the parade invites participants to poke fun at issues in a light and humorous way.

In photos of parades past, there are people dressed up in all kinds of silly (and racy) attire, cars decorated in zany ways, dogs in costumes, and funny signs all over the place.
For example, the website mentions a recent float called "Honest Attorneys" that was empty.

The group 'Marching Fidels' makes an appearance each year dressed up as Fidel Castro and participating in antics such as ordering innocent bystanders to march in their army.

The parade was originally inspired by Pasadena's annual Doo Dah parade that happens the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving.

This year's Less-Than-Grand Marshall will be Mike Harden, writer for the Columbus Dispatch newspaper. Awards are given for categories such as "Best in Doo Dah Spirit" and "Pooper Scooper Award (What the Doo Dah Was That?).

Feeling brave and a bit crazy? Put on your best costume and show up! There's not entry fee and no sign up required. There are, however, a few rules to follow, such as no full nudity, no commercial advertising, no throwing candy to the crowd, and of course the previously mentioned politicians must wear funny hats rule. Line up takes place arriving from Goodale Blvd onto Park Street heading towards Buttles Avenue.

Even if you don't want to march the route, it is sure to be a fun event to watch.

The 24th annual Doo Dah parade kicks off at 1:00 pm on July 4th (rain date July 3rd) The route begins at Park Street, then goes down Dennison, Collins, Neil, 2nd Ave, the follows High Street to Russell. For more information, call the Doo Dah Hotline: 614-228-0621or check out doodahparade.com.

Parking is available in the Short North area. Some places near the route on High Street include: Lot next to the Burgundy Room, the Convention Center parking lot, and the lot next to Union Station. Goodale Boulevard also has a good number or spaces along the park perimeter.