Don’t miss the 55th Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade when it steps off on El Paseo on the last Sunday in October. Pint-size floats, all built to interpret this year’s theme of “Let the Good Times Roll.” Since the early 1960s, this festive parade has been a favorite around town. And while it once had a “Christmas in July” theme, the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade is now an annual – and highly anticipated late October event.
With a full list of activities planned, including the Palm Desert Rotary Pancake Breakfast, a Golf Cart Show, a Kids’ Play Zone and more, families can experience an entire day of festive fun.
The parade itself starts on Sunday, October 27, 2018 at 12:00 p.m., and the parade route will follow El Paseo, westbound, from San Luis Rey to Ocotillo. Finding a place to park won’t be a problem since there are several parking lots and a parking structure in the area.
Palm Desert has upped its sponsorship of the annual Golf Cart Parade, allocating $40,000 to the chamber of commerce to hire a consultant and breathe new life into the city’s signature event. This year’s event marks the 55th Golf Cart Parade, which generally draws thousands to El Paseo for a Sunday of entertainment and activities. It also is an annual fundraiser for the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event.
“The Golf Cart Parade is part of the city’s identity” Jonathan said at Thursday’s meeting. “It’s all about having good fun that has a sense of humor, but also brings the community together. We urged the chamber to bring it up to the next level and I feel we have a responsibility to support that effort financially.”
It might look simple, but rolling a fleet of golf carts down El Paseo isn’t easy. “It’s kind of like the duck on the water,” Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade co-chairman Mike Hardin explains, “where you paddle underneath and it looks real smooth on top.” He and about 15 fellow committee members spend up to 10 months planning and executing the ever-growing event, which includes children’s activities, food trucks, and a classic car show. However, everyone is there for the main affair: delightfully decorated golf-cart floats.
The parade has been a Palm Desert institution for 55 years, beginning when residents at the Shadow Mountain Club decided to doll up their golf carts.
8:00 am – Rotary Pancake Breakfast
9:00 am – Family and Community Fun
Kid Zone, Food Zone + Food Trucks
Golf Expo and a Variety of Vendors
Specialized Golf Carts, Classic Cars on Display
10:00 am – Beer & Wine Garden
11:30 am – Classic Cars from Cruise Night El Paseo
12 noon – Flyover by Palm Springs Air Museum Warbirds T-28’s
will kick off the 55th Annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade