THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 12, 1996 TAG: 9602100052
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Larry Maddry
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
WITH THE HECTIC PACE of the '90s more and more people are saying to themselves: ``Wonder if I'm going crazy?''
It's only natural. There is so much uncertainty about our jobs, our ability to record anything worthwhile on our VCRs, and, of course, the Asian fruit fly menace.
All of which explains the increasing popularity of Norfolk's Downtown Doo-Dah Parade where people can go crazy. And know they are going crazy while taking great pride in it.
Best of all, you'll know exactly when you'll be going crazy. The Fifth Occasional Downtown Doo-Dah parade will be on March 31 at 12:30 p.m. (Perhaps we should synchronize our watches now. . . One of Mickey's white gloves should be pointing at 12.)
Small wonder that rounding up the town's crazies in a parade that folds back on itself has drawn rave reviews from around the country. Clyde Tumbrell, the parade reviewer for the Los Angeles Times gushes:
``Of all the parades I have seen this is certainly one of them.''
Naturally, your Doo Dah committee for this Festevents-sponsored insanity in the streets takes great pride in compliments like that.
Rest assured that we have been more negligent than usual just to make sure this year's parade will be the worst ever.
But first the good news. Did you know that your begonia or coleus - which probably needs watering at this very minute - could become a Hampton Roads celebrity and nearly as popular as Hootie and the Blowfish?
Bet that sounds so fantastic you are saying to yourself: Pinch me I must be dreaming. But it's true. Your very own cyclamen, or whatever, could be the subject of a column in this space and lead this year's Doo Dah while seated in the lap of the parade grand marshal!
Think how proud you will be as your Incredible Hampton Roads Houseplant leads the Bedpan Brigade, The Internet Trolling Club, the Salt-Free Bean Dips, the dancing Michael Jackson divorce lawyers and other loonies through the streets of Norfolk!
Just imagine how happy your plant will be for the attention and the avalanche of gifts it will receive, including a year's supply of plant food, underplants (pots) for every day of the week, free pruning, decorative garlands, and its own official photograph.
And now for even better news, a better news flash, actually,
Dr. Duane Harding, everyone's favorite meteorologist and media weatherman, has graciously agreed to be this year's grand marshal.
``This is a great honor, I guess,'' Dr. Duane said when informed of his selection as THE grand marshal. Yes, out of sight since his dismissal by a local television station, he has not been out of mind. But he promises to be out of his mind on Doo Dah Day, as he proudly rests the Incredible Hampton Roads Houseplant on his lap, or head.
Placard-bearing supporters of the crack weatherman and gardening guru will follow Dr. Duane along the route, expressing general and specific outrage over his firing.
But now, back to the Incredible Hampton Roads Houseplant Contest. To enter send a photo of your incredible plant and a statement of no more than 100 words about it to Incredible Hampton Roads Houseplant Contest, c/o: Larry Maddry, The Virginian-Pilot, 150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 23510. Or fax it to (804) 446-2414.
Be sure to include ALL information about your plant. Does it do tricks? Has it ever gone with you on vacations? Where? Did it sunbathe naked? Yes, plant costumes and ornaments are permitted for entry photos. The deadline is March 10.
If you'd like to enter your group in the parade, don't forget the disorientation meeting to be held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Festevents will supply ideas, parade route information and more at the disorientation meeting.
And the deadline for receipt of Doo Dah Parade applications and fees is Friday, March 8. For more information call 441-2345. ILLUSTRATION: Downtown Doo-Dah Parade Logo
Duane Harding
by CNB