Golf Cart Parade is Right Around the Corner
Everybody loves a parade and Palm Desert’s own parade is this coming Sunday, Oct. 26.
The annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade features some amazing floats built on golf carts, and it’s a real community event that unites everyone in the valley and brings visitors from all over.
The 44th Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade will step off at 1 p.m. with the theme: “Mardi Gras, Desert Style”. Featuring decorated electric golf carts, floats, marching bands, food booths, children's games, celebrities and dignitaries.
The excitement starts with a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and builds with a Golf Cart Car Show, where distributors bring the latest in souped-up carts for display. At 11a.m. the children’s area, food vendors and beer garden open for business. The excitement is not over at the end of the parade either as the kid’s area remains open until 4 p.m.
According to Katie Slimko, Director of Membership Services & Operations of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, this year's Golf Cart Parade is expected to attract the biggest crowds ever.
"When the Golf Cart Parade began in the early 1960s it was a small event where locals celebrated the City of Palm Desert for making golf carts street legal - it was called ‘Christmas in July’ and gave folks something to do during the hot summer months.”
Every year since then interest in the parade has grown. It has evolved into a City of Palm Desert signature event and has moved to October.
“We now get tourists from Europe, Japan and other places that are curious to see our playful, whimsical golf cart parade,” says Katie. It's got regional flavor. The local community turns out in strong support of this much anticipated annual event.”
Local Distributors will showcase their best electric carts, from the newest in technology to the vintage classics; more than 30 carts will be on display at the Cart Show.
The Children’s Area will be again on Larkspur and is chock-full of hands on games, crafts, live animals, entertainment, music and more. Kids of all ages are welcome.
Silver Circle tickets to the VIP area are now on sale for $30 per person or a group of ten for $300, which includes lunch and special seating at the parade. Reserve your Viewing Box seats of one, two or ten today. No more rush to find a good seat – they are all front row. Businesses that purchase a Viewing Box (10) will have the opportunity to display their banner. (Last year sold out)
A Senior Seating area is also open with a limited number of seats left. There is no cost for these tent-covered seats and access to a special reserved parking section; for parade goers 63 and over. Refreshments provided and beads, too!
The Charity selected to receive a portion of this year’s parade proceeds is P.A.L. Police Activities League. The mission of California PAL is uniting law enforcement and communities by providing youth programs which develop discipline, positive self-image, mutual trust and respect. Applications for the charity grant are accepted from March through May and all 501c(3) non profit companies are encouraged to apply.
For past year’s photos, entry applications, view maps, parking, and more, click onto www.golfcartparade.com or call 346-6111.
Parade Charities Inc.
P: (760)346-6111 F: (760)346-3263
72559 Hwy 111 Palm Desert CA 92260
info@golfcartparade.com www.golfcartparade.com