WCBE is proud to announce its very own Community Relations director, Johnny DiLoretto, will do his community relations thing in high style this July 4th when he assumes the not-so-honorable throne as the Less-than-Grand Marshal at the 35th annual Doo Dah parade.

“My first thought was ‘Who was their first choice?’ Surely, someone better was unavailable…” DiLoretto joked. “I'm still in shock about it. It’s such a mark of distinction here in Columbus,” he said. “And, it’s such a no-holds-barred, throw-caution-to-the-wind-anything-goes event, it’s just a perfect fit.”

WCBE president, Dan Mushalko, quipped, “There can be no lesser honor than to be a less than grand marshal. We’re so proud of Johnny for stooping to this level and we desperately hope no one associates him with WCBE on the entire parade route.”

All joking aside, Mz Doo Dah, ChairChick & Queen of Doo Dah, Deb Roberts assures that DiLoretto was indeed their first less-than-grand choice this year. “Johnny's a man about town.  He's funny.  He's a survivor of Sinclair Broadcasting, and,” she added, “he's a man who knows how to make some fun!”

DiLoretto follows in the footsteps of last year’s honoree, former heavyweight champion, Buster Douglas; and others from years past including former Mayor Michael Colman; Columbus TV legend, Fritz the Nite Owl; Sunny 95’s Dino Tripodis; and a host of other community favorites.

The Doo Dah Parade is a political satire parade that encourages marchers to express a political point of view in a fun, inoffensive way in the spirit of celebrating the liberty and lunacy of our Freedom of Speech.

Pre-parade fun starts Wednesday, July 4 at 10 a.m. with live music at the Doo Dah block party at High St. and Buttles Ave. in the Short North Arts District. The parade kicks off at 1 pm. The block party will continue until 7:00 p.m.