‘Playground of the Stars’ Parade Announces Honorary Guest Stars
The world famous Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade proclaims two larger-than-life actors and an athlete and as its 2009 honorary guests. Award winning actor Michael Dante and well-known star of stage and screen James MacArthur will join former MLB all-star Darrell Evans as official guests of the Big Event.
Michael Dante has appeared in approximately 30 motion pictures and 150 television shows. During that time he spent 7 years under contract to three major studios: MGM, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox. Some of his films include Westbound, Seven Thieves, Return from the River Kwai, and his classic performance playing the title role in Winterhawk. Many awards were achieved during this time and some recognition includes: Silver Spur Award 2006, Southern California Motion Picture Council Award in 2003 and the Golden Boot Award, the Oscar of Westerns, in August, 2003, in recognition of his starring and co-starring in film and television Westerns throughout his illustrious career.
James MacArthur , star of Hawaii Five-O and that famous “Book ‘em, Danno” catchphrase, was also featured on or starred in a variety of stage and film roles such as Disney Classic's, Swiss Family Robinson. Next came Bus Stop, Wagon Train, The Untouchables, Kidnapped and many, many more. The MacArthur's are 20 year desert residents. Recently, James co-directed a revival version of Twentieth Century, a play co-written by his father, Charles MacArthur, and Ben Hecht, and first produced in 1932. The play ran from 11-27 February 2005 at the Diamond Head Theatre.
Darrell Evans The former MLB slugger is in the valley this winter acting as Head Instructor and Commissioner of the new California Winter League in association with Palm Springs POWER Baseball. He made his MLB debut on April 20, 1969 for the Atlanta Braves. He was the first player to hit 40 homeruns in both the American and National Leagues. Not only that, but he became the oldest player to ever lead the league in homeruns. He became the second player after Reggie Jackson to hit 100 homeruns with three teams. Evans hit a total 415 homeruns during his career. Not only does he hold homerun records, Evans also received the honor of being on two National League All-Star teams in 1973 and again in 1983. In 1984, Evans was a Worlds Series Champion with the Detroit Tigers. Additionally, he was the American League Home Run Champion in 1985.
Our celebrated and now local legends will be riding in very special VIP carts sponsored by Electric Cart Distributors and FleetGolfCars.com
Parade planners and valley residents alike welcome these stars to the “Playground of the Stars” Parade THIS SUNDAY, Oct 25.
The 45th Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade will feature decorated electric golf carts, marching bands, live entertainment, food booths, children's games, a beer garden, celebrities and dignitaries. For more information call 346-6111 or visit www.golfcartparade.com.
The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade is brought to the community by the City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce and Presented by The Auen Foundation.