Mike Tyson named Grand Marshal for Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade
One of boxing’s most feared and controversial fighters, multi-world champion Mike Tyson has been named the Grand Marshal for this year’s Desert Hot Springs Holiday parade.
Desert Hot Springs city officials confirmed the news exclusively to KESQ & CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado today.
If you are wondering what Tyson’s connection to the desert might be, city officials confirmed he has a cannabis project in the works with the city centered around helping people with opioid addiction. In April, he broke ground on “Tyson Ranch,” a 40-acre marijuana farm in California City.
There is some controversy with over the choice due to his previous conviction for rape in 1992. While it has been a while since Tyson’s last run-in with the law, he remains registered as Tier II sex offender.
City spokesperson Doria Wilms spoke with KESQ & CBS Local 2 on the controversy, “Mike Tyson did already pay his debt to society for something that happened over 25 years ago. So the city at this point looks at that as something that he has already done, and we look to what he’s done most recently and what he continues to do moving forward, so with that in mind and all the talks we’ve has thus far, we look very much forward to moving forward with the parade with Mike Tyson and his plans here in the city.”
There are mixed emotions about Tyson being on of the Grand Marshals.
“That guy (Tyson), he’s an animal, you know, and people like that. They look into violence, they look into sex,” said Robert Decastro, not in favor of Tyson being honored as a Grand Marshal.
“I think he should be forgiven for everything he’s done, and let bygones be bygones,” said Judy Sullivan about Tyson’s controversial past.
Wilms said there are also plans for a concert opportunity hosted and funded by Tyson’s business in Desert Hot Springs.
Tyson will be joined by two other Grand Marshals, Shaniyah Carlson, a local teenage MMA fighter who is finding success all over the country and Edward Johnson, a Veteran who is very involved in the community.
Watch: Desert Hot Springs HS sophomore Carlson climbing the ranks of MMA
The Desert Hot Springs Holiday Parade will be held on December 8, starting at Two Bunch Palms and ending at City Hall on Palm & Pierson. This year’s parade will be the city’s first light-up parade. The lighting of the city’s Christmas tree will be held directly after. The event will also host a concert, a polar express train, holiday horse rides, and food. The event is free for anyone who would like to attend.
Former Grand Marshalls for the parade include California Teacher of the Year Dr. Brian McDaniel, Olympic medalist Sarah Roble, and local philanthropist/businessman John Furbee.
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