Sure, you can see politicians waving American flags in just about any run of the mill Independence Day parade. But politicians being required to poke fun at themselves and wear a funny hat?

You'll have to go to the Doo Dah parade in the Short North district of Columbus, Ohio to see that on the Fourth of July (every year). The main mission of the parade is to celebrate liberty and lunacy.

The Doo Dah parade is to show "sarcasm at its finest." Not a rally or protest of politics, the parade invites participants to poke fun at issues and current events in a humorous way.

In past parades, there were people dressed up in all kinds of silly (and racy) attire, cars decorated in zany ways, dogs in costumes, and funny signs all over the place.
For example, a recent float called "Honest Attorneys" that was empty.

The group 'Marching Fidel's' makes an appearance each year dressed up as Fidel Castro and participating in antics such as ordering innocent bystanders to march in their army.

Feeling brave and a bit crazy? Put on your best costume and show up! There's no entry fee and no sign up required. There are, however, a few rules to follow, such as no full nudity, no commercial advertising (unless you're poking fun at it), no throwing candy to the kids (we don't want to run over them), and of course the previously mentioned politicians must wear funny hats rule.

Line up takes place at noon arriving from Goodale Blvd onto Park Street heading towards Buttles Avenue.

Even if you don't want to march the route, it is sure a fun event to watch on July 4th!