Golf Cart Parade celebrates start of season

The 48th Annual Golf Cart Parade strolled down El Paseo in Palm Desert Sunday afternoon.

“I don’t think there is anything else like this in the United States,” B.J. McConnell said.

In fact, it’s the largest golf cart parade in the world – and the longest running parade in the desert.

“It’s just different and fun, and everyone puts so much effort into the floats. They’re darling. It’s so much fun,” McConnell said.

About 85 groups marched down El Paseo – golf carts, floats, bands, and dance groups. This year’s theme was American Pride.

“I think it’s the kick-off for the year, for the city of Palm Desert,” parade chairman Mike Hardin said. “It’s just a killer parade. It’s been going on for 48 years.”

It draws in crowds of more than 15,000 people. This unique parade represents its unique location. People say it just screams ‘desert’.

“The desert is golf carts. We’re all here for the outside and the golf carts. Where else in the country do you ever see golf carts on the road, going to the store?” the parade Grand Marshall Dick Heckmann said.

That’s one of the reasons why the desert is special, and why it deserves an extraordinary parade to celebrate the start of another season.