The Fourth of July celebration at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park started early with family and friends picnicking and playing at this tremendous park. It then progressed into an immense dance party followed by the grand fireworks display.
People lined the edges of the ponds enjoying the view and taking advantage of the shade. Others were saving places at the amphitheater in anticipation of the opening ceremony and the Steve Madaio Band. Many of the picnickers found cool places to barbeque under the several gazebos complete with misters. Many of the patriots spread out while some were off playing games and sports.
Edgar and Eric Santana and Ethan Rice
I caught up with three teens who were traveling with a mission and shared the same style t-shirt. They were proudly promoting and supporting their wrestling club the P.A.L. Enforcers. Edgar and Eric Santana have been with the club for more than two years while Ethan Rice has been a member for four years. They informed me that this club is part of police activities overseen and taught by Officer Tom Lee. These young men could be been throughout the evening selling glow sticks as a fund raiser for the club. While we were discussing the club we were joined by Amber Santana and Ann Leisa Rice.
Kristina and Andy Garza
The best in face painting clearly goes to Kristina and Andy Garza. Andy sporting a mask of the flag and his sister decorated with a big red star and flares. Their mom, Maggie Gonzalez, was the face painting artist. Christina Gonzalez was on hand enjoying the fun.
The Schute Family
The flashiest in patriot dress goes to the Schutes. This family gathering of three brothers, three wives and three children have this Fourth of July venue as a tradition. Brothers Todd, Mike and Jeff’s dad and mom started this custom some 10 years ago. Even with their dad’s passing of a year-and-a-half ago, they continue coming to this park in his memory. The brothers and their family come from all across Southern California and stay with their mom who lives in Palm Desert. One family arrived at first with just a few family members who were totting the usual picnic gear. A little while later they were some 15 strong and stilling growing.
Sovannarith Marohn with Joseph Anchodo and Monica Marohn
Then the pink jeep arrived with Sovannarith Marohn, age 2, driving in with the picnic goods. He was helped by friend Joseph Anchodo while mom Monica Marohn enjoyed the walk. When they got settled into their site Sovannarith showed me his muscles.
The opening ceremony got under way with remarks by Mayor Bob Spiegel. The Youth Committee led us in the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner”. Then it was on to the gala.
Steve Macaio Band
The celebration quickly turned into a vast dance party when the music of Steve Madaio and Friends took to the stage. There were 11 musicians on hand. They started with a couple big band songs, then played a few marches, which included the all time favorite, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Horace Miller and Steve Madaio
Then Madaio featured Horace Miller, a retired career Marine, to sing “America the Beautiful.” The crowd was thrilled. When the band started to play some Motown tunes, more of the spectators got into their dancing shoes. Madaio included a tribute to the late Michael Jackson with dances and songs performed by Miller. The crowd didn’t sit out when they played some of the '50s tunes as, “Let’s Go to the Hop.” The surprise was that more people joined in the when they played “Let’s Twist Again.” The band so easily and beautifully moved from one genre to another and the crowd loved it. Madaio has played with so many of the greats such as Janis Joplin, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan. His band of friends plays various venues in the Coachella Valley as well as private parties and from time to time plays outside our valley.
Then the guests were given time to return to their seats to enjoy a fantastic display of fireworks. The city put on another grand Fourth of July celebration.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
People lined the edges of the ponds enjoying the view and taking advantage of the shade. Others were saving places at the amphitheater in anticipation of the opening ceremony and the Steve Madaio Band. Many of the picnickers found cool places to barbeque under the several gazebos complete with misters. Many of the patriots spread out while some were off playing games and sports.
Then the guests were given time to return to their seats to enjoy a fantastic display of fireworks. The city put on another grand Fourth of July celebration.