The City of Palm Desert held its 49th annual Golf cart Parade on Oct. 27th. The parade came down El Paseo Drive. Close to 100 entrants were part of this years parade whose theme was FUN IN THE SUN. Parade participants included Local Bands, Floats, Children’s groups, dancers, Dogs, politicians, local businesses, Charitable organizations, classic and exotic golf carts, Character animal costumed people, Harpo the clown, Palm Desert High Schools and even a float with live flowers from Forest Lawn Mortuary.
Local philanthropist Barbara Sinatra , widow of legendary Frank Sinatra, was this years Grand Marshall with her faithful dog on her lap. Sinatra is the founder of Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. Fans would stop Sinatra to shake her hand and thank her for her work with abandoned and abused children.
Thousands of people arrived early to get a favorite spot to watch the parade. There was VIP seating and Special seating for seniors that could be gotten early online with an RSVP. The Palm Desert Rotary Club started the day with a Pancake Breakfast, then there was a senior lunch, a children’s play area and float viewing before the parade. The Parade started at 1pm with a fly-0ver by an old propeller driven plane from the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Dan McGrath from EZ 103.1 was the emcee again this year and did a wonderful and interesting introduction and revue of each parade participant as they came down El Paseo. McGrath also gave out the awards prior to the Parade. Trophies were given to 1st and second places in many categories. Those awards were for the Humor, Mayor, Directors, School Spirit, Community Service, Theme, Judges, and the Sweepstakes participants. The Sweepstakes trophy went to the Palm Desert High School Aztecs Sophomore class.
Vendors lined the streets across from the parade route. Hot Dogs,Pop Corn, tacos and more plus lots of beverages as it was a hot day in the desert. Children loved the parade, especially when a participant threw candy in their direction. This is a real family affair for many in the valley and a great way to spend a Sunday.
