78TH ANNUAL PIONEER DAYS SUCCESSFUL FOR COMMUNITY AND CHAMBER

The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce held an after-event meeting this week to discuss what went right and what went wrong with the recent 78th annual Pioneer Days event. Pioneer Days is a longtime October tradition event celebrating the rich mining, ranching, and military history of the Twentynine Palms areas. Representatives from the Chamber, City, Park and Recreation, volunteers, and local media all agreed that this year’s event was a big success. Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Truitt said this year’s financial results and attendance were both up, reporting a total gross income of $19,844.67 with a net profit of $12,402.63. That compares with a $10,237.42 net in 2013, and a major improvement over the $2,300.00 made in 2012. Chamber President Melanie Robbins presided over the session, writing the pros and cons on a large whiteboard in city hall council chambers. Most agreed that the Luckie Park location worked well, with the Saturday entertainment and arm wrestling bringing in the most activity. The parade was well run and attended and growing with some 63 entrants. Attendance was tripled this year at the Little Miss and Master event, although the outhouse race was cancelled for lack of entries. Among items listed for improvement were the quality of the carnival and the physical layout of vendors and attractions at the park; also button sales and prices. Many suggestions were made in the lively meeting about the duration and location of ancillary events and the future of Pioneer Days with an eye towards planning for relevance while still retaining the traditions.