Presented by Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, October 25, 2014 1:00 p.m. on El Paseo in Palm Desert
The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, the largest parade of its kind in the world, is also the longest running in the desert. Celebrating 51 years this October 25th, the Parade is much more than a fun, colorful and festive event. It serves as a completely unique event for bringing the community together in true desert style – on golf carts. Our desert tradition began in 1961 and was held in the summer months for the locals. Now, it’s on the last Sunday in October. It is known as the unofficial kick-off to season, drawing crowds of more than 20,000 on a beautiful sunny Coachella Valley day.
This Year’s Theme: “Area 51: Palm Desert is Out of this World”
Theme Entered by General Sales Manager Rob Zavitka of Sunny 103.1 Title Sponsors: City of Palm Desert, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. Presented by: The Auen Foundation.
Grand Marshal: Robert “Bob” Gilliland, California Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee and First Pilot of the SR 71 Blackbird.
“It’s tradition,” says Dottie Stitzinger, a regular Parade-goer. “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 Kicks off on El Paseo at 1:00 p.m. with this year’s theme: “Area 51: Palm Desert is Out of this World.” UFOs and aliens will abound in this celebration of galactic proportions. Thankfully the Parade is hosting the celebrated 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton, who have returned this year to lead the festivities.
The cavalcade 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, The Auen Foundation’s float and the world famous Bob Hope cart make appearances each year. The day is full of activities, food and entertainment that will keep your belly full and your family smiling, while meeting new neighbors and celebrating our own golfers’ paradise.
Parade Day Features for the Family Come early to enjoy the Palm Desert Rotary Pancake Breakfast at 8:00 am – located in the Bank of America parking lot, this is an annual favorite and perfect start to the day.
Golf Cart Show opens at 10:00 a.m. on El Paseo – distributors and owners bring the latest in souped-up, historic and hotrod carts for display. Vote for the People’s Choice Cart.
“VIP Seats” are premier parade seating and primarily in the shade. With these seats there is no more rush to find a spot – everyone has a great view. A quality box lunch is provided as well. Seats are $25 each or $250 for a VIP Box of 10. Space is limited. RSVPs required (760-346-6111).
Children’s Area and Food Vendors are open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 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! After working up an appetite, there are a variety of food vendors to please everybody and cool slushy drinks and ice pops, too.
The Auen Foundation’s Senior Seating is offered again, for a sixth year! These FREE, street-level seats are available only to the 64 plus crowd. With easy parking at The Gardens on El Paseo, these popular seats are guaranteed to fill up quickly. Box lunches are included at NO CHARGE with each reserved spot. MUST RSVP (760-346-6111).
Maps, photos and more: www.golfcartparade.com or call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at 760-346-6111. ALSO FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK!
