Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade brings community together on El Paseo
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Decorated golf carts, community groups and families gathered along El Paseo Sunday for the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, with actor and television host Anthony Anderson serving as grand marshal.
This year’s theme, “Better Together,” celebrated the local schools, businesses and community organizations taking part. News Channel 3’s team also joined the parade.
For longtime paradegoer Mary Perry, the event’s appeal goes beyond the decorated carts. She has been attending for nearly 30 years and said the celebration continues to feel personal.
“But I think it’s that it’s such a local small town feeling,” Perry said. “You know, the golf cart parade started with just people in their golf carts driving down El Paseo, and now it features all of the local high school and middle school bands, the cheer squads, the dance teams, and so many people who just come out because it’s the family and community thing to do.”
Actor and television host Anthony Anderson served as grand marshal. The “black-ish” star said participating in community events is part of realizing a dream that began when he was growing up in Compton.
“And a part of that dream is being able to be at events like this and having fun and meeting people like you and, you know, giving back to the community, which is what it’s all about,” Anderson said.
Palm Desert Councilmember Jan Harnik said she has watched the parade since her own children were little. For her, the tradition reflects the community’s character.
“It’s the sweetness and the heart and soul of our community,” Harnik said. “It’s what we’re about. It brings everybody together for a very good reason.”
The celebration also included a pancake breakfast, local vendors, live bands and activities for children throughout the morning.
The annual event is organized by the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.
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