As the city of Palm Springs gets ready to mark its 85th anniversary, plans are in the works for a free birthday party -- with the whole community on the guest list -- to enjoy face painting, a dog costume contest, history exhibit and much more.
The big bash will run the entire day on Saturday, April 8, at the Downtown Park with a variety of family-friendly events, including a "Cruising Through the Years" car parade starting at 11:30 a.m., according to the City of Palm Springs website.
This conglomeration of 85 classic vehicles, beginning in 1938 and representing each year of Palm Springs' history, will get rolling at Palm Springs Convention Center and cruise along Amado Road to reach the gathering at Downtown Park. At the conclusion of the parade, residents are invited to mark their own birthdays with a selfie in front of a car from the year of their birth: Just go to the Forever Marilyn sculpture to find the vintage cars on display.
“Over the past 85 years, Palm Springs has become world famous for our year-round sunshine, relaxed desert lifestyle and incredible history," Mayor Grace Garner, a Palm Springs native, said on the website. "I invite everyone in the Coachella Valley to join us downtown on April 8 as we cruise through the years, celebrating 85 years of the magic that makes Palm Springs like no place else.”
For the dog lovers in the crowd, the city is holding a Canine Celebrity Costume Contest at 6 p.m., and pet owners are invited to dress up Fido as their favorite Palm Springs celebrity and enter for a chance to win a prize.
Dave Karger, host of Turner Classic Movies, will emcee the opening ceremony, which kicks off 12:30 p.m. at the Downtown Park. At 1 p.m. is a car show and DJ set by Joe Kay, who has gained accolades in BBC, Forbes, LA Times, Billboard, Rolling Store and others. The entertainment for the day concludes with an Elton John tribute concert at 7 p.m.
History plays a key part in the celebration throughout the day with historic photos of Palm Springs presented by the Palm Springs Historical Society and Palm Springs Life.
Marking its own 85th milestone this year, Palm Springs Art Museum has teamed up with local artist Danny Heller for family activities in front of the museum, which include Heller's coloring sheet drawings of the museum. Complete a coloring sheet and get a discount on admission to the museum.
For its part in this special day, Palm Springs Parks and Recreation will offer family activities like face painting, arts-and-crafts and interactive games, all available in the park.
This action-packed day is made possible by the city of Palm Springs, P.S. Resorts, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Splash House and Poppy Vacation Homes.