Twentynine Palms is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 88th Annual Pioneer Days celebration, a time-honored tradition that embodies the heart and soul of our unique community. This year, from October 17th to 20th, 2024, we invite everyone to join us as we explore the theme “Reimagining the Desert: Honoring the Past, Forging the Future.” This theme reflects our deep commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of Twentynine Palms’ history while enthusiastically embracing innovation and progress for a vibrant tomorrow.
This four-day extravaganza promises a diverse array of activities designed to captivate and delight both residents and visitors. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Pioneer Days with these exciting highlights:
Event Highlights
Thursday, October 17: Pioneer Days Kick-Off Mixer at 29 Palms Inn
Begin the Pioneer Days festivities with a relaxed and welcoming Kick-Off Mixer at the iconic 29 Palms Inn. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow community members, event organizers, and visitors in a charming desert setting. Enjoy refreshments and good company as we officially launch this year’s celebration.
Friday, October 18: Glow in the Park Party at Luckie Park
As the sun sets on Friday, Luckie Park will transform into a vibrant spectacle of light and fun with the Glow in the Park Party. This family-friendly event promises an evening filled with glowing displays, music, and activities for all ages. Bring your glow sticks and get ready to light up the night in celebration of Pioneer Days.
Saturday, October 19: Pioneer Days Parade & Block Party
Saturday is the centerpiece of Pioneer Days, featuring the beloved Pioneer Days Parade through downtown Twentynine Palms. Experience the vibrant energy as floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and community organizations showcase the spirit of our town. Following the parade, the excitement continues with the Pioneer Days Block Party, also in downtown Twentynine Palms. Enjoy live music, food vendors, artisan crafts, and family-friendly entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Sunday, October 20: Classic Car & Motorcycle Show and Palms-N-Paws Pet Parade
Conclude the Pioneer Days weekend on Sunday with two fantastic events. Car enthusiasts will be thrilled by the Classic Car & Motorcycle Show at the Historic Plaza, showcasing a stunning collection of vintage vehicles. Simultaneously, animal lovers can head to Luckie Park for the heartwarming Palms-N-Paws’ Annual Pet Parade. Watch adorable pets and their owners dressed in creative costumes as they parade for fun and prizes – a delightful event for the whole family.
Important Notice Regarding the Carnival
We want to inform our community about a change to this year’s Pioneer Days celebration. Regrettably, the carnival, a popular feature of past events, has been cancelled for this year. Paul Maurer Shows, the carnival company we had contracted, has faced significant and unforeseen labor shortages due to federal H-2B visa issues affecting their workforce.
Despite diligent efforts to find a replacement carnival provider, we were unable to secure a suitable alternative on short notice. Many companies are already committed to fall events, and others are experiencing similar labor challenges. We understand that the carnival is a much-loved part of Pioneer Days, and we share in the disappointment of this cancellation.
However, we view this as an opportunity to reconnect with the foundational essence of Pioneer Days. The event began as a grassroots community celebration, long before the introduction of a carnival. This year, we are excited to refocus on these original traditions and provide alternative activities that truly reflect the heart of Twentynine Palms and the pioneering spirit of our community. The Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to ensuring Pioneer Days 2024 remains a memorable and meaningful event for all.
We warmly invite everyone to participate in this special year of Pioneer Days as we come together to celebrate our heritage, embrace the present, and build an exciting future for Twentynine Palms.
For further details about Pioneer Days and for any inquiries, please contact Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales at (760) 367-7562 or via email at [email protected].
