Golf Cart Parade Remains Strong In Tough Economic Times

PALM DESERT – There was great weather for the 45th annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade rolling out Sunday, with a big crowd on hand to check them all out.

Under the watchful eyes of judges, including News Channel 3’s own Emilie Voss, the floats and bands were closely evaluated. But our question this year, were sponsors and businesses holding back in these tough times?

We asked Gary Butler of Studio 4 Dance Company if he’s seen any other businesses pulling back this year. He answers, “Yeah, I’ve seen that. We considered it. Briefly. But then I have such a great creative team right now and these guys wouldn’t let it down for anything.”

Even public agencies decided they couldn’t pass this parade up. We asked Sunline Transit Agency’s C. Mikel Oglesby whether budget concerns limited their golf carts this year. He responds, “Well, you know, that’s a good question. Actually, no. Everything that’s for here is down with the help of employees. We all get together and we had volunteers to come in and just do what we could with what we had.”

While some businesses did not come up with elaborate floats this year to tie in with the celebrity theme, few could pass up this advertising opportunity.

We met with Dave Wood driving his golf cart. When asked if his business thought about cutting back or not, Wood answers, “No, we’re solar golf cart and solar canopy providers. So we thought we come out here and show everyone the technology.” Wood adds, it’s just good advertising.

All things considered, even with these tough times, only two fewer golf carts entered in the parade this year, a good indicator for the local economy.

Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce CEO Barbara deBoom agrees, “Going strong and enthusiastic about it coming back stronger.”