Known as the “twisted sister” of the conventional Rose Parade on Jan. 1, the Doo Dah Parade began as a grassroots event in 1978 to gain national attention for its eccentric satire.

“I was a miracle baby,” said this year’s Queen of the Doo Dah Parade in Old Town Pasadena. “I arrived with some pizazz.” A dash of feisty fun is how Flores hopes to kick off the 44th ...