Announcing the 88th Annual Pioneer Days Celebration
The City of Twentynine Palms is proud to announce the 88th Annual Pioneer Days, a cherished tradition that celebrates the spirit and history of our community. This year’s theme, “Reimagining the Desert: Honoring the Past, Forging the Future,” reflects our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Twentynine Palms while looking ahead to a bright and innovative future.
The four-day event, taking place from October 17-20, 2024, will feature a variety of activities that promise to engage and entertain residents and visitors alike. Highlights of this year’s celebration include:
- Thursday, October 17: Pioneer Days Kick-Off Mixer at 29 Palms Inn
- Friday, October 18: Glow in the Park Party at Luckie Park
- Saturday, October 19: Pioneer Days Parade, followed by the Pioneer Days Block Party in downtown Twentynine Palms
- Sunday, October 20: Classic Car & Motorcycle Show at the Historic Plaza and Palms-N-Paws’ Annual Pet Parade at Luckie Park
Additional events and details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Carnival Cancellation Notice
It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of the carnival for this year’s Pioneer Days celebration. Paul Maurer Shows, the company contracted to provide the carnival, has experienced a significant loss of commercial drivers and laborers who were working in the United States under H-2B visas. This unfortunate situation has critically impacted their ability to operate.
Despite our efforts to secure a partnership with another carnival company, we have found that many are either already booked for fall 2024 events or facing similar challenges. The U.S. State Department oversees the issuance and management of work visas, and the current labor shortages have affected many businesses across the country.
We understand that the carnival is a beloved part of Pioneer Days, bringing joy and excitement to our community. While this news is disappointing for everyone who eagerly anticipates this annual tradition, we are committed to preserving the spirit of Pioneer Days. The Parks & Recreation Department is actively working to provide alternative activities that will engage the community, such as the before-mentioned activities, and ensure that the celebration remains a vibrant and meaningful event.
This year, we see the absence of the carnival as an opportunity to reconnect with the “grassroots” origins of Pioneer Days, focusing on the traditions that predate the inclusion of a carnival. Change is never easy, but it can open doors to new experiences that honor the true essence of our community.
We invite everyone to join us for this special celebration as we come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and forge a bright future for Twentynine Palms.
For more information, please contact Community Events Coordinator Scott Clinkscales at (760) 367-7562 or sclinkscales@29palms.org.