Sunday, October 27, 2012 1pm on El Paseo
“Fun in the Sun” – Theme Entered by Tina Regan, Palm Desert
Title Sponsors: City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
Presented by: The Auen Foundation
Grand Marshal: Barbara Sinatra
The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, being the largest parade of its kind in the world, is also the longest running in the desert. Celebrating 49 years this October 27th, the Parade is much more than a fun, colorful and festive event. It serves as a completely unique vehicle for bringing the community together in true desert style. On golf carts, of course! Our desert tradition began in 1961 and was held in the summer months for the locals. Now, it is held on the last Sunday in October and is known as the unofficial kick-off to season, drawing more than fifteen thousand families on a sunny Coachella Valley day.
“It’s tradition,” Says Dottie Stitzinger, “We just must go every year for the silliness, the school bands, and those floats on carts. The Golf Cart Parade is the best way to celebrate the desert community and we just love sitting in the Senior Seating.”
The Parade steps off along El Paseo at 1 p.m. with the theme “Fun in the Sun”. The cavalcade is up to 95 entries already and features decorated electric golf carts, larger than life floats, marching bands galore, food booths, children’s games, celebrities and dignitaries. Notably, the Palm Desert City Council Hummer golf cart, Desert Arc’s famous floats and the world famous Bob Hope (Humana) cart make appearances each year. The day is full of activities and amenities that will keep your belly full and your family smiling, meeting new neighbors and celebrating our own golfer’s paradise.
Parade Day Features for the Family:
Come early to enjoy the Palm Desert Rotary Pancake Breakfast at 8:00am – Located in the Bank of America parking lot, this is an annual favorite and perfect start to the day.
Golf Cart Show and Golf EXPO open at 10am on El Paseo – Distributors, owners bring the latest in supped-up, historic and hot-rod carts for display. Vote for the People’s Choice Cart. The Golf EXPO features golf courses, stores or local tournaments.
EMC’s “VIP Seats” are premier parade seating and it’s mostly in the shade. No more rush to find a spot – everyone has a great view. A quality box lunch is provided as well. $25 each or a VIP Box for $250. Space is limited, must RSVP.
Kid’s Play Zone and Food Vendors are open from 11am – 3pm. The Children’s Area is chock-full of hands on and interactive games, crafts, a rock wall, petting area, face painting, bounce house and more; brought to you by the Webb Foundation. After working up an appetite, the variety of food vendors is sure to please every palette and keep you cool with slushy drinks and pops, too!
The Auen Foundation’s Senior Seating – For the 65 and over crowd with easy parking at The Garden’s, this space is guaranteed to fill up in our fourth year of offering the special seats. Folks will enjoy box lunches at no charge included with their reserved spot. This area is currently full.
Palm Springs Air Museum Fly Over happens at 1pm, when the parade steps off.
Maps, photos and more: www.golfcartparade.com <http://www.golfcartparade.com or call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at (760)346-6111. ALSO ON FACEBOOK!
