They’re funky and silly and all a little zany, and in the world of the Doo Dah Parade, they’re all super stars.
Ten hopefuls competed for the title of Queen of the Doo Dah Parade on Sunday, Oct. 8, playing to a standing-room only crowd at the Old Towne Pub in Pasadena. From stand-up to banjolele ditties, pantyhose-throwing and interpretive dance, the contestants personified the Doo Dah spirit of fun.
Natalie Flores of Los Angeles, henceforth to be known as Queen Mama’s Sunshine, was crowned this year’s Queen after a performance of “Colors of the Wind,” from Pocohontas. She wore monarch butterfly wings and accepted the crown by singing the Beatles song “Imagine.”
“Never in my wildest dreams, since I saw this on TV, did I think I would be queen,” she said. “I’m going to invite my whole family to participate, and I’m so excited. This is amazing.”
Former queens came in their favored regalia, from a belly dancing outfit to an “oversized lobster bib” of a dress. They advised contestants to bring their own sparkle and spirit to the festivities.
“Represent Pasadena and what makes the Doo Dah great, which is joy,” said Michelle Mills of Covina, who reigned as Doo Dah Queen in 2008.
Mills won the crown after five tries. Taking the moniker “Queen of Peace and Love,” she said she was chosen after switching her act from singing to dancing with swords.
“They asked if I could dance with my swords on fire, and I said no,” she said. “It was all so fun. I rode down in a convertible with my co-workers and friends, my court, my dog and my friend’s cockatoo, who was able to avoid all the tortillas thrown at it. I loved seeing all the happy faces and hearing all the laughter.”
Mills has stayed active with the Light Bringer Project, the Pasadena arts education nonprofit that owns the parade.
“The mission of Light Bringer, to bring art to schools and help kids, helping others, I think that’s what we’re here for,” she…
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