I’ve always been kind of fascinated by the Doodah Parade, which is part of the Ilion Days festivities. For one reason, what a great name. The Doodah Parade. I keep finding excuses to say it. When some members of Ilion Little Theatre signed up to march, I was happy to join them.
One member allowed us to use his pick-up truck (full disclosure: he was kind of strong-armed into it). The plan was for most of us to walk, but marchers could take a break in the truck. It would be a handy place to put things like bottles of water or stuff we were handing out. We met in the theatre parking lot to decorate the truck. We had a minor setback when we discovered the brand new helium tank was empty, but we made do with lung power. Balloons, ribbons and shiny hangings soon adorned the vehicle as participants continued to show up.
We had a sizable contingent from the Young Actors Workshop (YAW) as well as adults. Some people wore t-shirts from plays they’d been in; some were in costume. I dressed as a pirate myself. We also had a couple of ladies in historical costume, a few princesses, one fabulously dressed diva, and Tierney, the mysterious neighbor from the ILT production The Birds. The last two were the most impressive costumes to me, the diva because she walked the entire route in high-heeled sandals, and Tierney because his costume included a black canvas poncho with hood. It was a sunny, hot evening. Those are some dedicated parade people right there.
We were a little late getting to the staging area, although it was fun riding in the back of the pick-up truck along part of the parade route, which was already filled with people. We all waved, shouting that we were a preview. We were in fact a preview of the end of the parade, because that is where you end up marching when you show up late to the staging area. It seemed to take a long time to get started but at last we were headed down the street, waving at spectators and spreading the word about Ilion Little Theatre. Some of the kids had candy to throw. Others handed out pens and fliers. I asked that a pen be saved for me, so I could write a play with it. I’m sure I will feel very inspired to write a good play using a pen that has “Ilion Little Theatre” printed on it.
My husband Steven had to work till six so did not try to join us in the marching. He waited for us at the end, where he joined us. He was wearing his t-shirt from Roxy, a play which I may have mentioned in a few blog posts last summer. We all walked up the hill to the theatre parking lot, where most of us had left our cars. We were full of plans for next year’s Doodah Parade. I think everybody had a splendid time, although I’d just like to mention, I’m still waiting for my pen.
Mohawk Valley Girl 