Kalamazoo to be taken over by silly, satire

KALAMAZOO--Spoofs and laughs abound on the streets of downtown Kalamazoo at the annual Do Dah Parade Saturday, June 2.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. and follows the traditional route, starting at the corner of Jasper and Lovell streets, proceeding west on Lovell, north on Park Street, east on West Michigan Avenue and south on Portage Street.

A lineup of businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals will goof-it-up using everything from animals, colorful costumes and makeup, to decorated vehicles, music and more. Known for its parodies and spoofs, the parade is expected to last more than an hour and attract tens of thousands of spectators.

New in 2012, the parade will feature five to 10 themed units where any individual can join to be part of the specific parody.

The annual parade dates back to 1984 in Kalamazoo and was modeled after the original Do Dah Parade in Pasadena, Calif., begun in 1978. This year's sponsors include WKFR 103.3 FM and DKA Charities, the charity organization of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc.

For more information, visit downtownkalamazoo.org.