Borrego Days Desert Festival
Last updated 7/14/2015 at 1:36pm
The Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted a planning meeting in the Chamber office on June 22, 2015, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, for the upcoming Borrego Days Desert Festival which will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on October 23, 24, and 25 of this year. Linda Haddock, the Chamber Executive Director, conducted the meeting, after brewing and making fresh coffee available.
The planning committee members attending were Dr. Sy Conrad of Ranchita, Laurel McFarland and Kevin Flatt, both of McFarland Productions the producers of the festival, Chuck Doshevsky a volunteer, Debbie Woollett volunteer coordinator for Borrego Days, Joan Leopold Treasurer, Jo Ann Maiter volunteer coordinator of the Chamber of Commerce, and Linda Haddock.
This year’s theme for the event is “Those Were the Days.” The committee anticipates exhibitions by North County Corvettes, and Lowrider car clubs showing vehicles alongside the horse drawn carriage, 1953 Austin Healy LeMans, and Zimmer Coupe of Dr. Conrad, as well as the off road vehicles of Tierra del Sol.
The children’s carnival can expect Wow Bubbles, Lazar Tag, Zipline, and NonStopFun. Competitive events are under consideration including a stein holding contest.
Mariachis and the Marine Jazz Ensemble are on the agenda as musical entertainment.
So far, thirty-five different entities have confirmed to march or exhibit floats in the parade. Some include Miss Borrego Springs and Court 2014-2015, Miss Borrego Springs and Court 2015-2016, Calico’s, West Coast MINI Club, Borrego Jeep Photo Adventures, Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association, Pacific Railway Museum, Borrego Baja Bugs, American Legion Riders, California Overland Excursions, Air Frame Cycles, Republic Services, Borrego Air Ranch, Borrego Valley Ranch, Center Market, Barbara Worth Brigadettes, Juan Bautista de Anza Charter School, Julian Cuyamaca, Julian’s Merchants of the Year, The House of Borrego Springs, a 1999 Chevy Corvette Convertible, a 2013 Chevy Corvette Convertible, a 2010 Chevy Corvette GS, a 1963 Chevy Corvette Coupe, Miss Teen and Miss Ramona 2014, Miss Teen and Miss Lakeside 2014, Miss Teen and Miss Julian 2014, HyPower Communications, Lessley’s Barber Shop, and Desert Throne Court Jesters.
The Chamber of Commerce pays for the bus transportation of participating marching bands through sponsorships by local merchants, whose names appear in banners or over the stalls of the events. Some marching bands include Southwest High School, Brawley High School, Claremont High School, La Jolla High School, Monroe Clark Middle School, the Army and Navy Academy Boarding School, with Hillsdale Middle School, and Grossmont High School remaining, so far, unconfirmed. Several equestrian western re-enactors are anticipated among whom are the Trail Riders, the Ghost Riders, and the Winchester Widows. There will be an air show.
Vendors are still under consideration and opportunities for participation and sponsorship are still open. Volunteers are needed and welcome. Interested parties should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 760-767-5555.
