Do Dah Day is Birmingham’s ultimate animal lover’s party
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Nearly 40 years ago some animal-loving friends got together on Birmingham’s Southside and had a party.
From that fateful day, Do Dah Day was born. Now, four decades later, that neighborhood gathering has turned into one of the largest animal loving festivals in Birmingham and the entire state.
A Birmingham original
This year, on Saturday, May 19, 2018, thousands of animal-lovers and their pets from all over the city, state and even the country will converge on Birmingham’s Caldwell and Rhodes parks for a day of fun, great vendor food and awesome music.
Everyone loves a parade
The highlight of Do Dah Day is the one of a kind parade of barking dogs, frightened cats and quirky pet-owners dressed in costumes parading down Historic Highland Avenue.
Want to participate?
Here are the details. On the morning of May 19 parade registration begins at 9:01 am at the Parade Start location on Highland Ave & 33rd St. South. If you want to strut your stuff or your ruff, or deck-out your car, truck or better yet a float, you should be on site by 9:45 am. The Parade begins at 11:01 am.
Every year Do Dah Parade has marching bands, briefcase drill teams, synchronized dancers and crazy clowns…and plenty of locals making the walk with their special four-legged family members.
Who Do Dah Day benefits
Since 1992, the festival has raised more than $1.3 million for Jefferson County animal shelters.
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Alabama’s first humane society, has been involved with Do Dah for many years. The GBHS has helped thousands of animals throughout Birmingham find homes and the care they need.
Do Dah shares a similar mission with the GBHS.
“To promote respect for life through education and prevention of cruelty to animals and people.” ~ GBHS
Fun and Music all day
After the parade, enjoy the music and fun activities between the two parks on Highland Avenue. Many great bands are performing this year from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm. Click here for the 2018 lineup.
There is cool stuff planned at Do Dah for the kids; face painting, hair weaving, craft making with the McWane Science Center, basketball, folk music and much more.
Check out local media excited about Do Dah Day.
Return volunteers
A cool phenomenon occurs every year; volunteers who have moved out of state, as far away as Chicago still fly in for the weekend to staff their tents and booths at Do Dah Day.Volunteering is that much fun…and important.
Do Dah Eve
And the fun starts the day before on Do Dah Eve. Kick off the exciting weekend on May 18 at iCantina Tortilla Grill from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Meet some of the candidates for King and Queen of Do Dah and all proceeds from the benefit the cause.
Do Dah day requires a lot of effort from hundreds of volunteers, vendors, sponsors and board members. To get more info on getting involved and becoming part of this classic Birmingham festival follow here!
Sponsored By:
- STERIS Animal Health
