Step into a golf car time machine and journey through the past, present, and future at the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade that took place on Oct. 29.
Organized by the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade celebrated the city’s 50th anniversary. With a theme that’s a nod to nostalgia and innovation, last year’s parade on invited attendees to hop on a “Golf Cart Time Machine – Take Me to ’73!” for a swingin’ experience.
The parade, a tradition that has graced El Paseo for nearly 60 years, showcased a kaleidoscope of golf car displays, floats, and entries inspired by the vibrant era of disco balls, bell-bottomed pants, and tie-dyed everything.
The festivities kicked off at 8 a.m. with a Rotary pancake breakfast open to the public, setting the stage for a day filled with excitement. At 9 a.m., the marketplace booths opened, accompanied by an extended kids and family fun zone that featured free activities for all ages. Fuego, the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ mascot, made a special appearance, which added to the carnival-like atmosphere.
As the clock approached noon, the parade officially rolled along El Paseo, starting at San Luis Rey and concluding at Ocotillo Drive. The westward route included a visually stunning showcase of creatively adorned golf cars, each a mini time machine transporting onlookers through different decades and eras. There were also complimentary viewing sections and free lunches are available for veterans and senior citizens.
The parade was not just a visual feast; it was a day-long celebration with food trucks, a beer garden, a classic car display, local bands, and a lively after-parade party at Shadow Mountain Golf Club. The Palm Desert Chamber, along with sponsors such as The Auen Foundation, General Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and Eisenhower Health Auxiliary, pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable event for the community.
