Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade organizers plan to celebrate their 49th year when they stage the event on Sunday Oct. 27, and they're touting their history.
"The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, being the largest parade of its kind in the world, is also the longest running in the desert," event manager Katie Stice said in a news release distributed Monday.
The Parade steps off along El Paseo at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 with the theme "Fun in the Sun." There are 95 entries already, including decorated electric golf carts, larger than life floats, marching bands galore, food booths, children's games, celebrities and dignitaries, Stice said.
"Celebrating 49 years this October 27th, the Parade is much more than a fun, colorful and festive event," Stice said. "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," Stice said. "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."
Featured golf carts include the Palm Desert City Council Hummer golf cart, Desert Arc's famous floats and "the world famous Bob Hope cart."
Here's more from Stice:
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 Gardens, 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.
For maps, photos and more info visit www.golfcartparade.com or call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at (760) 346-6111.
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