Quartzsite, AZ
The Grand Gathering is a brand new exciting four-day event
planned for March 6th – 9th, 2014 in Quartzsite, Arizona. The GRAND Gathering
is a joint venture of Quartzsite's (QIA) and Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite
(PNQ), both dedicated to the betterment of the Community of Quartzsite and the
region. In true community spirit, cooperation between the Town of Quartzsite
administration and many local organizations are producing an exceptional event
for the community and visitors alike with four full days of GRAND fun,
entertainment and town-wide events. Events are geared for GRAND Parents and
Great GRANDS and their families to create memorable moments together. Parking
is free at all venues.
The American Veterans Traveling Tribute (AVTT) Vietnam Wall
travels to Desert Gardens Show Grounds to coincide with the events during The
GRAND Gathering. The AVTT Traveling Wall will arrive in Quartzsite on
Wednesday, March 5th. Public viewing of the wall will be available 24 hours a
day after the initial set-up on the morning of Thursday, March 6th through the
afternoon on Sunday, March 9th. At 360 feet in length, the AVTT Wall is the
largest traveling replica of the original Vietnam Memorial Wall located in
Washington, D.C. It is an 80 percent scale reproduction which stands eight feet
tall at its apex and does not leave out a single name featured on the original
memorial wall. The Military Tribute is free.
Rex Allen Jr.
Paul Winer
Entertainment Highlights:
- On Thursday, March 6th, Rex Allen Jr. performs at the QIA. Tickets are $15. Rex was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of fame in 2013, shortly after receiving the Twentieth Annual Ernest Tubb Memorial Award, from the Western Film Preservation Society.
- A FREE Invitational GRAND JAMboree takes place Friday at the QIA Outdoor Stage
- FREE Live Entertainment all day Saturday at the QIA Outdoor Stage
- Paul Winer will present a FREE concert on Saturday afternoon at the QIA. “Yes,” It is the “Naked Bookstore Guy,” Paul Winer, fully-clothed, playing Boogie Woogie Blues! Paul is a colorful character who is definitely one of the main tourist attractions in Quartzsite.
- On the Road Again will provide a Dance Party Saturday night at the QIA, $4/person.
Thursday events include a Library Book Sale, AVTT Traveling
Wall, Exercise Class, Crafts Painting Social, Line Dancing with Vernine Adkins.
Food be available at many local restaurants around town and at the QIA. At 7pm
the famous Desert Music Jams happen at the QIA.
Friday events include Town-Wide Yard Sales, GRAND Breakfast
at Quartzsite Senior Center, Opening Ceremony takes place at the AVTT Traveling
Wall with presentation of Colors,
National Anthem, and Speakers at Desert Gardens Show Grounds. Back at the QIA
will be Crafts, Vendors, Games and Food. The GRAND Marathon Bingo also takes
place at the QIA. There's a GRAND Music Jamboree happening at the QIA Outdoor
Stage.
Saturday events include a Pancake Breakfast, Town Wide Yard
Sales, AVTT Traveling Wall, Colors, National Anthem, Speakers @ Desert Gardens
Show Grounds, Volkssport 5k/10k Walk at the QIA, SENIOR FAIR/SHOW, Antique Car
Show, Games for young & old – (Rock Stacking, Rock Painting, Hula Hoop
Contest, etc.), Live Entertainment throughout the day with a Preview of “On the
Road Again” at the QIA Outdoor Stage. State Assemblyman Sonny Borrelli will be
speaking at the AVTT Traveling Wall at Desert Gardens. There's also a Cancer/MS
Fundraiser Walk at Paradise RV Park. The 5th Annual Proud Neighbors of
Quartzsite (PNQ) “Rock Auction” will be held at the QIA Outdoor Stage, followed
by Paul Winer FREE Concert. Closing out the day is a Dance with “On the Road
Again” at the QIA.
Sunday events include a Community Service at the QIA,
followed by a delicious Brunch. Closing Ceremony at the AVTT Traveling Wall
happens at 1pm with Colors, National Anthem, Speakers, and Taps.
At 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Quartzsite will attempt to break the
Guinness Record for the World's Largest
Human Letter "Q" at the QIA. The goal is have at least 550 people
stand (or sit) together and form the letter "Q". Don't worry, there
will be plenty of chairs available if folks can't stand. This event is open to all
ages. Registration is only $5 which includes the Official The GRAND Gathering
collector's lapel pin. Multiple Registration Packages are also available.
Quartzsite is conveniently located on I-10, just 17 miles
from the California border, and Hwy. 95 1/2 way between Yuma and Lake Havasu
City. Just 2 hours west of Phoenix, Quartzsite is in the middle of everywhere!
See the full details
about The GRAND Gathering at www.TheGrandGathering.com.
About the organizations:
· The
Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) was incorporated in 1965 and is a
non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the Quartzsite
Community. www.qiaarizona.org.
· Proud
Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) was established to help provide benefits to local
charities and non-profit organizations by promoting the community of
Quartzsite, and surrounding areas through quality local celebrations.
www.ProudNeighbors.com.
· Maps,
Entertainment Schedule and RV Park Discounts are available online at
www.TheGrandGathering.com
Paul Winer
