Actress Jesselynn Desmond, the 2019 Doo Dah Queen, at the 42nd Occasional Doo Dah Parade Queen Tryouts at the American Legion Post #13 Bar, October 20, 2019. Photo by Tequila Mockingbird.
It was another glorious day for the Pasadena Doo Dah Queen picking ceremony at the American Legion Post #280 and Bar in Pasadena on Sunday, October 20, 2019. Actress Jesselynn Desmond was chosen to be the Doo Dah Queen for the 42nd Occasional Doo Dah Parade, which is a parody of the Pasadena Rose parade. I think it’s great for people with a sense of humor and who are allergic to flowers. Outgoing 2018 Queen Sassy Classy Jennipha Nielsen officially crowned the new Queen.
The other contestants gave it the old college try. There are no losers at the Queen tryouts. All who try out are Princes and Princesses at the parade! Stage hosts “Elton John MC” Jeff Hall, and Prince Andrew the Duke introduced this year’s contestants, who came in all ages, sizes, and shapes—mostly female. A few brave men dared to enter. Participating in the Doo Dah Queen tryouts was Laura Smear, a tax consultant—and not related to Pat Smear of the Germs—who got everyone in the room up and dancing with her version of The Champs’ “Tequila!” The other contestants ranged from artists to models. This year, politics snuck into the conversation. There were chants of “Lock him up Liberalist!” There was even a contestant with a sign that said, “I’m a Ho!”
Parade Directors Tom Coston and Patricia Hurley of The Light Bringer Project allow others to become judges by buying rounds of beer. The judges also include former Queens. Queens in attendance this year included 2014 Queen Narayana, 2013 Queen Susann Edmonds, 1996 Queen MaryJean Shaffer of the “Holy Sisters of the Gaga Dada,” and 1995 Queen Sabrina, Diva of Pasadena, were in attendance, as well as the 2018 Doo Dah King, Earl Clayton Louckes, regular parade participant, “The Colorful Guy,” and Yvonne Bell, Director of Development at the Centre Theatre Group.
Escorted in by Prince Andrew the Duke, Jesselynn, a talented Mandolin player, dancer, and singer, entered in on roller skates for her tryout cradling her dog “Cellphone.” She is also a member of the dance, comedy, and character-cabaret troupe, “Bijoulette,” which performs around the state at festivals, such as Coachella. Her Instagram says that she is a Personal Development Consultant, Clown, Oracle, Director, Entertainer, Dancer, Actor, and vendor of Essential Oils and Pee Funnels. Jesselynn has tried for Doo Dah Queen two times before, so third time’s the charm! She loves Pasadena and Pasadena loves her.
The 42nd Occasional Doo Dah Parade will take place Sunday, November 24, 2019, 11 a.m
