July 20, 2012 - Ilion Doo-Dah Parade

We returned to Ilion to participate in the annual Doo-Dah Parade - a celebration of “Anything Goes”.

It was here a few years ago that The Red Band made an alarming change to their dress code. Because of the heat and the theme of the parade (anything crazy or zany allowed) a decision was made that we could wear black bermuda length shorts instead of long black pants.

We decided to keep this look for our “less formal parades” especially since so many of them occur on the hottest days of summer.

This year alone we’ve worn this uniform in two scorching Memorial Day parades, the New York Mills Bell Parade, and the Boilermaker Road Race concert.

A little bit of Red Band history was made right here in Ilion.

As we lined up in the park at the start of the parade, trumpeter Brian Griffin called to say he would be a little late. He was having trouble getting around the road blocks and would start walking up the route. Someone would carry his march book and we would meet him along the way.

Just before we stepped off – here arrived Brian smiling and sitting in a golf cart being driven by a clown!

And that is what the Doo-Dah parade is all about.

Lots of people cheering us on especially in front of the Elks Club – obviously “THE” place to be. Green and white beach balls flying through the air, home crafted floats, bag pipes, kids and dogs – all enjoying a rich summer tradition.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!!

For more photos please click on the following link

Ilion Doo-Dah Parade