WHITING | It is only appropriate that a parade as irreverent as the Pierogi Fest Polka Parade would have an equally outrageous application form.

It's true.

Applications for the 7 p.m. July 25 parade are now available. They are also good for a laugh or two.

A short explanation of the parade, for example, describes it as what is "undoubtedly the most outrageous event in Northwest Indiana and perhaps the galaxy. If that date doesn't work for you, that's fine, but you will have to march by yourself."

The application goes on to say that the reason the parade, which has gained national acclaim, is so popular and fun is because of it's off-the wall approach. Precision lawn mowing teams? The babushka parade? What's off-the-wall about that?

Seriously. The parade is a spoof on traditional parades. It is designed to entertain both the spectators and the participants alike. It is generally a walking parade, but float-type entries are allowed. "We discourage motorcycle units, trucks, buses, construction equipment or any entry that has an ounce of class or taste," the form said.

The form, which organizers say for obvious reasons has to be kept simple, asks for name, an alias if applicable, address and smoke signal address. Would you believe organziers once took a call from a woman who said she did not have the latter?

There is also a short qualification test that follows the fill-in-the-blank portion of the application. It asks for shoe size and IQ. Entrants are directed to divide their IQ by their shoe size. If the amount is a positive number, entrants can be in the parade. If it does not, "you probably didn't know how to divide in the first place, so you are also eligible for the parade anyway - we will just talk very slowly to you at the lineup."

Applications are available at the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce, 1442-119th St. and must be returned no later than 11:37 p.m. - no, that is not a typo - on July 21.

Parade lineup begins at 6 p.m. July 25 at 120th Street and Davis Avenue.

For more information, or a few more laughs, call the chamber or parade chairman Tom Dabertin at (219) 853-9782.