Pride weekend boom in business for some, others blocked from celebration

The Greater Palm Springs Pride weekend brought thousands of people to the Coachella Valley. For the first time the entire festival took place in downtown on Palm Canyon Drive.

Business was good for some downtown shop and restaurant owners. However, others said they lost out on up to 75 percent of sales because they were blocked from the celebration by a 6-foot chain link fence surrounding a beer garden at the event.

Great Shakes and Signature Palm Springs jewlery shop owners said there was a lack of communication and poor planning. They hope changes will be more inclusive to ensure next year’s event is more inclusive and supports local businesses.

Mindy Reed, owner of Zin American Bistro, helped host the beer garden. She said all downtown business received the proper information about the beer garden. She also said she agrees that the fence was too high and assures the event will continue to work through its growing pains to run smoother next year.