Zippety Doo Dah

Monday, Nov. 25, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

On Sunday a smiling Michael Jackson clone pushed a baby carriage along the parade route and mock CIA agents waved placards that urged spectators to "Buy crack, make the world safe for democracy."

A self-proclaimed "illegal alien voter from Mars" ridiculed Rep. Bob Dornan, the out-going Orange County Republican known for his militant opposition to illegal immigration.

The Doo Dah Parade is as topical and timely as the Rose Parade is carefully orchestrated and timeless. What began as an offbeat, casual affair 20 years ago has grown into a nationally watched event attended by thousands.

Unruly tortilla-throwing crowds prompted organizers to downsize it, cordon it off and charge for it two years ago. When that failed, it returned to the streets with fewer zany entrants and more community groups participating.

"What we missed was the tortilla throwing," said Laura Calmes, a faithful parade attendee who squirted bright-colored "silly string" at others and ended up with several globs of it in her hair.

Her 11-year-old daughter, Heather, said the parade was "way fun" and qualified as her favorite parade.

"I like this one because it's more fun. They do more weird stuff," she said. "You can be yourself."

Dr. Demento, an eccentric radio host, served as grand marshal at the first Doo Dah to have a queen.

Mary Jean Shaffer sported a faux fur coat and what appeared to be a sash made of gun ammunition and was surrounded by a motley crew of princes and princesses.

Despite an increase in community groups such as marching bands and a drum corps, outrageous entrants still dominated the hourlong event.

The "Earthlink" entry looked like an average group of surfers at first -- except for the computer monitors they had stuck on their heads. The high-tech group "surfs the Internet," and touts itself as a possible successor to the popular "Briefcase Drill Team" no longer found at Doo Dah.

A group of cross-dressing men dubbed the "West Hollywood Cheerleaders" flamboyantly represented Los Angeles' gay and lesbian community, and polyester-clad "Lounge Lizards" performed Frank Sinatra tunes.