40 years of Do Dah Day

Do Dah Day, a wacky but family-friendly event that uses a pet parade, live music and other colorful activities to raise money to help homeless animals, will take place at Rhodes Parks in Southside on Saturday, May 18.

The event, which began in 1979, has raised almost $1.5 million since 1992, according to the Do Dah Day website.

Organizers are planning “something special” to mark the parade’s 40th anniversary, with details to be announced, according to Joyce Johnson, event spokesperson.

The festive, colorful Do Dah Day Parade will begin at Highland Golf Course at11:01 a.m.

Many parade participants and other attendees bring their dogs to Do Dah Day, with many of the canines dressed in costume. “The pets truly are the star of the show,” Johnson said.

The event offers live bands and kids’ activities. Do Dah Eve, a fundraiser with music, games and human and pet royalty contests, is set for Friday, May 17.

For the first time, the event will take place only at Rhodes Park, according to Johnson.

Admission is free. For information — parade prizes, entry fees, how to volunteer and details about Do Dah Eve and musical acts — go to dodahday.org.