The List: Why the Doo Dah Parade is our favorite Columbus 4th of July tradition

There are many annual events around Independence Day in Columbus - including, of course, downtown's massive Red, White & Boom - but here's why the Doo Dah Parade holds a special place in our hearts.

Political/social commentary that won't make you want to punch puppies

Yeah, we're all pissed about a lot of things - at Doo Dah you can air your grievances as long as you're funny about it. Sometimes you gotta laugh to keep from crying.

The Marching Fidels

We'd like to think if Fidel Castro were to actually participate in an Independence Day celebration - he'd bring all his look-a-likes and make a conga line. But we aren't holding our breath.

Batman!

And the guy that always tries to steal his Batmobile. There is always one.

Doo Dah is the "little parade that could"

According to Deb Roberts, the Queen of Doo Dah herself, former Mayor Buck Rinehart only gave Doo Dah its first parade permit to get organizers out of his office. After 32 years, Doo Dah is stronger than ever.

Anyone can join

Scratch the desire to make an ass of yourself in public by marching in the Doo Dah Parade. Just show up and you're in - 'Merica!

Nothing is sacred

Doo Dah is all about celebrating our freedom of speech - by taking on the most taboo topics.

Doo Dah knows how to take a joke

Nobody likes to laugh more than organizers of the Doo Dah Parade, even if the joke's on them.

Doo Dah probably won't trigger your PTSD

Friends and laughs over sudden loud noises any day.

The DIY ingenuity

In some ways, the crappier/more homemade your Doo Dah costume is, the better.

The house/porch parties

If you're fortunate enough to have friends along the parade route, there's nothing better than brunching and imbibing before/after the parade. (If you aren't, please don't crash.)

The general air of silliness

It's the true spirit of Doo Dah, and everyone from the participants to the crowd gets that. Not smiling is not allowed.