Last Saturday, members of Northampton Neighbors, accompanied by a throng of local groups, nonprofits and businesses, vintage cars and bands, boogied up Main Street for the second annual DoozyDo Parade – this year, in spite of ominous forecasts of rain.
Marching defiantly under the unofficial slogan “We won’t let it rain on our parade!”, we had spectacular undersea creatures from Christopher Heights; a dazzling baton twirler from the Chinese Immersion School; Sally Ride, the Queen of Wakanda, Madonna and many more in the S-Heroes; flying fish from Forbes Library; a 10-foot-tall replica of the Shepherd Barn towed by Historic Northampton; and scores of All Out Adventures’ assistive bikes and trikes, some riding in circles like Shriner cars.
The mayor made it official by proclaiming Saturday “DoozyDo Day” in Northampton! And citations were presented to Northampton Neighbors from both the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives. The Northampton Police Department worked to make it a fun and safe day for all and, once again, pulled it off without a hitch.
The parade’s Grand-ish Marshals led the way – Kelsey Flynn dancing, Monte Belmonte bouncing and doing somersaults, and “Valley Voice” Dennis Lee working a bullhorn from Barry Bouthilette’s pedicab. We had a fetching gargoyle mascot, a Grand Fromage and a 1960s-era Northampton police cruiser, along with the Look Park Jeep.
Marchers and spectators were galvanized by the Expandable Brass Band and Mountain River Taiko Drummers for the second year, along with the Northampton High School Band, the Myrtle Street Klezmer Band, an Elvis impersonator (Lord Russ), and bagpiper Sgt. Rory McLean, this year assisted by a second piper and a drummer.
A benefit for Northampton Neighbors, the DoozyDo is also a way to let people know about the services and programs Northampton Neighbors offers its members – all without any charge. An intergenerational mixer, a celebration of community and a love-letter to the city of Northampton, the DoozyDo is also pure joy generator! Thanks to all!!
Mark Karpel,"Le Grand Fromage"
The DoozyDo “Cheese Shop” and
Northampton Neighbors
9/28/23