Quartzsite's The GRAND Gathering sets Guinness World Record!

Quartzsite, AZ -  It's official! 631 GRANDS set a new Guinness World Record Sunday, March 9th, 2014!  In an email sent Monday, April 7th to John Hendrix, of Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA), Guinness World Record stated,

"We are delighted to confirm that you have successfully achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for ’Largest human letter’.

We would like to congratulate you on your record-breaking achievement.

You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING!"

The new record was the Finale event of The GRAND Gathering Sunday, March 9th, 2014. The GRAND Gathering was a new joint venture of the QIA and Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ).  The GRAND Gathering events were geared for GRAND Parents and Great GRANDS and their families to create memorable moments together.

Events during the four days included AVTT Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall; Concerts by Rex Allen Jr., Paul Winer, and Beyond the Ashes; a Senior/Craft Fair; Rock Art Auction; 50's Sock Hop Dance; a JAMboree; Town-Wide Yard Sales; a GRAND Bingo Marathon, Pancake Breakfasts and More! 

Quartzsite Stewards required by Guinness - Photo Desert Messenger

  Guinness World Records certification requires independent witnesses from the local community and extensive documentation. Horizon Community Bank’s new branch manager, Judi Clark and Quartzsite Council Member Mark Orgeron served as official witnesses along with 12 Stewards from the community. 

As The GRAND Gathering is now a committee under the QIA, the QIA now holds the oficial record through John Hendrix, the inspiration behind The GRAND Gathering. John, a QIA member, suggested the idea last year and from there it blossomed into a fantastic weekend with the culmination of the “Largest Human Letter Q” taking place.

WE DID IT! Photo - Starr BearCat - Desert Messenger

  For everyone who took part in the successful record attempt, Guinness offers the Certificate of Participation. All participants can purchase their own official Guinness World Records Certificates of Participation via the store online. Participants will need a special ID and code. To order, visit www.TheGrandGathering.com or www.qiaarizona.org. 

Staging area inside QIA - Photo Starr BearCat - Desert Messenger

Photo - Desert Flyers' Drone

Photo Desert Messenger

Photo Mark Goldberg - The GRAND Gathering

Also check out the Facebook Page for more photos and info on ordering: www.Facebook.com/TheGrandGathering.

Photo Desert Messenger

"Yes, We Can!" - Photo Desert Messenger

Quartzsite hosts The GRAND Gathering, March 6th-9th, 2014

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

Rockin' in Quartzsite planned for Sat. Nov. 3, 2012

“Rockin’ in Quartzsite!” 

A Celebration of the Arts – Quartzsite Style! 

Quartzsite, AZ –Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) invites the public to a most unique Public Art Event, called “Rockin’ in Quartzsite! A Celebration of the Arts”. 

Artists transform simple pieces of flagstone slabs into one-of-a-kind “Rock Art Pieces”.  Please join us on Saturday, November 3rd, 2012 from 6-8pm for Rockin’ Revel Artist Reception at the “Rock Motel”, 100 W. Kuehn (Tyson Wells Showgrounds). The public will have an opportunity to meet the artists and get a “Sneak Preview” of the incredible Rock Art for this year’s Rockin’ in Quartzsite.

This Public Art Event is held from November 3rd through March 1st.  On Saturday, March 2, 2012, PNQ holds a live “Rock Auction” to find permanent homes for the “Rock Art Pieces” and the People’s Choice Award will be announced.

Quartzsite is known worldwide for its rocks and shows. On Dec. 8, 2009, then Mayor Wes Huntley, proclaimed Quartzsite, Arizona, the Rock Capital of the World. Expanding on this popular theme, locals and visitors alike will find themselves looking for the Rock Art Pieces throughout town, using a “Rockin’ in Quartzsite” Map in the Desert Messenger and at the Business Chamber guiding folks from one end of town to the other. 

At each location, folks can vote for their favorite People’s Choice Award! This event benefits local organizations, businesses, and the Quartzsite community! Come to the Quartzsite, the Rock Capital of the World, and see what’s going on! For more Quartzsite events, go to www.VisitQuartzsite.com. 

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite is 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! 

Website: www.ProudNeighbors.com

Quartzsite Events: www.VisitQuartzsite.com

Rockin' in Quartzsite - A Celebration of the Arts Sat. Nov. 5, 5-8pm

Quartzsite, AZ- Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) presents “Rockin’ Reveal” Artist Reception on Sat. Nov. 5th at the “Rock Motel”, Tyson Wells Show grounds, 100 W. Kuehn. Get a sneak peak at the beautiful Rock Art before they hit the town !

 The 3rd Annual "Rockin' in Quartzsite-A Celebration of the Arts" is a free event

Pictured here is one of the new Rock Art Pieces! Just amazing work! Don't miss out seeing them all together Sat. night! Refreshments will be served.


Attendees will once again vote for their favorite Rock Art. The 2010-11 People’s Choice winner was “Water in the Desert” painted by Jo Stoltz.

The Rock Art will be displayed throughout the winter season followed by the Rock Auction on March 3rd. Funds raised support local organizations. Check out the fun this Saturday 5-8pm at the Rock Motel!

Quartzsite Chili Cook-off and Rock Auction huge success!

Quartzsite- The Quartzsite Chili Cook-off, sponsored by the Arizona Centennial Committee of Quartzsite was originally planned for Feb. 26th, but was postponed due to weather. On Saturday, March 5th the Chili Cook-off joined forces with Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite's 2nd Annual Rock Auction for a new successful event for the community!

Every cook entering was a winner! With the change of date and the new venue, organizers were surprised with the wonderful turnout. Hungry folks arrived all afternoon to taste the delicious entries. "It's another beautiful event for Quartzsite!" said Jerry Lukkasson, the event coordinator. "Looks like everyone had a fun afternoon!"

This year, the organizers held a beer garden,  using the almost completed "Snack Shack" being built with donated funds from local businesses, residents, and snowbirds. The cooks and vendors set up on the football field, with lots room for all the other activities.

Quartzsite Rotary held a raffle, AZ Centennial souvenior hats and bags were available for sale. There were vendors, a Penny Auction, and the debut of the AZ Centennial Quilt made by local quilters was on display. The beautifully detailed quilt will be on display throught the year at each of the AZ Centennial events. Raffle tickets can be purchased for only $1 or 6 tickets for $5! The drawing for the Quilt will be held at the AZ Centennial Finale Event in February, 2012. You've got to see this quilt! Buy a ticket and it can be all yours! Proceeds will support the Centennial Lasting Legacy Project.

PNQ's Rock Auction raised over $2600 this year, a 25% increase over last year's event. Dean Taylor won the bidding for the first Rock Art Piece, painted by J. Foster Stoltz. His winning bid of $300 will be donated to the Children's Playground at the park. The sale of the two Rock Art Pieces painted by local Elementary School children raised $375 for a Children's Art Fund. Those two pieces were purchased by Susan Cushman and Patricia Anderson, and both buyers donated the rock art to be in locations where the children will continue to see their beautiful work on display: One will be located at Quartzsite Elementary School and the other will be on display at the Children's Library. The other fourteen Rock Art Pieces were delivered on Sunday to their new loving homes!

A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this such a wonderful event! Next year will only get better!

Thank you Quartzsite for making the Chili Cook-off and Rock Auction a huge success!

Celebrate Arizona’s 99th Birthday and

Countdown to The Centennial!

Arizona commemorates 100 years of Statehood on February 14, 2012. As the last of the contiguous 48 states admitted to the Union, Arizona and its citizens have a wonderful opportunity to showcase the state’s beauty, history and future.

Here in Quartzsite, the Arizona Centennial Kickoff includes a full weekend of events and fun for the whole family.

Starting off on Friday, continuing thru Sat. Feb. 11 & 12 is the Quilt Show at the Senior Center. A Special Centennial Quilt, made by local quilters will be on display. The quilt will be raffled during the Centennial year.

Sat. Feb. 12th is our famous ATV Parade sponsored by Willpower, Inc. Centennial Events will take place at the Park following the parade. Skyhawk will provide the entertainment. Quartzsite Flyers RC Club will present a wonderful display of RC aircraft and history at the field just north of the park. The first Photo Scavenger Hunt Contest will begin with “Prickly Pete”presented by Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite. Prickly Pete will be there in person too! Don’t want to miss that! The Centennial Committee will open the Hoosegaw for fundraising. The first four “prisoners” will be jailed and they’re going to need some help to get bailed out! The Quartzsite Art Guild will unveil the first two pieces of artwork which will be displayed throughout town for the year. Each month another piece will be added to the collection until the Finale in February 2012! There’ll be lots more fun for the whole family on Saturday, February 12th after the ATV Parade!

Sunday, Feb. 13th the Arizona Sunriders ATV Club will host guided rides into the desert for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Interested folks can sign up at the park after the parade on Saturday.

Later on Sunday is the Legends of Country Music Concert featuring Larry King and his band. Arizona’s #1 Country Concert is a fundraiser for the centennial and will be held at the QIA at 7pm. Advance tickets are only $15, and can be purchased at Town Hall, Quartzsite Business Chamber, and Main St. Eatery.

On Monday, Feb. 14th, the 99th Birthday of Arizona becoming a state, the Quartzsite Rotary will host a One Year and Counting Birthday Cake Social at Town Hall from 11-4pm. Stop by for good old fashioned social “networking”. There will be a raffle for a special afghan also. Check out some of the fashions of the era and enjoy the day of the heart with your sweetie with sweet treats at Town Hall.

Another event is the Quartzsite Chili Cook-off on Saturday, February 26th. The new location will be at Town Park. The rules and entry forms are posted online at http://quartzsiteazcentennial.blogspot.com/ . There’ll also be a link on the town’s new website, which should be up in the next few days. Just click on the Centennial logo.

For more information visit the state’s website at http://www.arizona100.org/

Set your Sights on Quartzsite!

Quartzsite, Arizona is featured on the cover of the AZ Tourist quarterly magazine this month with beautiful photos of the Hi Jolly Daze Parade, the shows, tourist areas,  Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite's Rock Auction, and Paul Winer's Readers Oasis Bookstore.

Using the title of the catchy and fun original song played each year when the New Christy Minstrels visit Quartziste, the article focuses on the world famous shows happening in Quartzsite and fun things to do in and around Quartzsite.

The Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce did a wonderful job of coordinating with other organizations in town to make the front page at this most important time of year!

Thousands of copies will be hitting the streets as an invitation to visit Quartzsite, Arizona, the Rock Capital of the World!

Come see what all the excitment is about! Quartzsite is open for business and welcomes you! It's going to be another exciting season! Set Your Sights on Quartzsite!



Check out AZ Tourist News Online at http://www.aztourist.com/component/content/article/24-front-page/79-set-your-sights-on-quartzsite-

Quartzsite, AZ Desert Messenger newspaper latest issue online!

Today's issue of the Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper, is now available online. The papers will be delivered today in over 70 locations in and around Quartzsite, AZ.

CLICK HERE for the current issue of the Desert Messenger

For the latest news, visit http://www.desertmessenger.com/

What an awesome day! Rockin' in Quartzsite and Red Ribbon Week kickoff!

Thank you Quartzsite for another beautiful event for the whole community! This post will have more personal touches than normal, as I am so grateful for the countless volunteers that helped make yesterday's event such a positive experience for the community!

Rockin' in Quartzsite is a public art event focusing on the uniqueness of what drew many folks to this area, the rocks! Artists paint rock art pieces which go on display around town for the whole season. In March, the rock art will be auctioned at the Rock Auction! Using a Volunteer Equity Program, funds raised will be donated back to the community through the various organizations designated by the volunteers.

The 2nd Annual Rockin' in Quartzsite kicked off yesterday!  Quartzsite Community Prevention Coalition joined the event this year with kid's events, free hot dogs and t-shirts. The theme was "If you abuse..." alcohol, prescription and illicite drugs. There was a special guest teenager, who shared her pain of losing 4 friends over the last two years to drug abuse.

This year, Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite decided to change it up a bit, by using flagstone slabs instead of boulders. Last year, some boulders were difficult to see on the ground. By using the slabs, the level of visibility will increase. Many hours of discussion were held about how to display the rock art. Mark Goldberg, an artist and creative genius, designed and built a protype stand for the stones.  Many volunteers gathered at his workshop to cut, drill, sand, and paint the beautiful stands to showcase the artists work. Mr. Goldberg worked very hard on attention to details and his concern for safety was paramount! Thank you, Mark Goldberg for the untold hours of work you have put into this project.

Hats off to

• Inland Builders, Ace Hardware in Blythe, CA for donating all the flagstone slabs and building materials for the Rock Art Pieces and stands. Thank you sooo much for your generousity and support of our community!
• Kym Scott, of Tyson Wells Showgrounds for the extremely generous donation of his warehouse for two weeks! We couldn't do it without you, Kym! Hearts of gratitude for how much to contribute to the community of Quartzsite!
• Mark Goldberg, for his incredible design, hard work, and long hours assembling the stands for the slabs. And to the many volunteers he recruited to help, even Council member Patricia Anderson and her husband, Floyd,  pounded a few nails!
• Roger Williams for stepping up to take on the position of project manager for an event about which he knew little. Thank you to his wife, Patty, also for her long hours of volunteering! Awesome job!
• All the artists who are donating their time and creative energies for this public art event! Jesse Koontz (Ray Ray), Tina Moore, Nan Burrows, Carol Brainerd, Patricia Oechslin, Mary Jo Gilder, Ron Stoltz, Jo Foster Snow, QES Students, Penai Bettmann, Mark Goldberg, Rainbow Patrick, Betty Michel, Annette Crandall, Rita Wilson. Artists Rock in Quartzsite!
• Quartzsite Elementary School (QES) 3rd & 4th grade teacher, Mr. Wymer. Also of QES: Linda Ward (who's brilliant idea got the kids motivated) and Trina LaFontane for their many hours of volunteering.
• 16 QES students who painted two Rock Art Pieces and their parents for allowing them to participate. 3rd graders, Ashley Coen, Frederick Hull, Gabriel Norris, Daniel Perez. 4th graders, Savana Adams, Isadore Baeza, Daniel Bedzyk, Cherokee Frazier, Cobey Hager, Zachary Hager, Rober Hull, Maleiah Sharp, Colton Robertson, Laianni Sales, Jeffrey Scott, Jasmine Tinoco. It was a pleasure to have you all there! We hope to see you on Nov. 6th at the Artist Reception! 
• Thank you to Quartzsite Community Prevention Coalition coordinators, Tracey Richardson and Yesenia Jackson and all their volunteers. Isaiah 58 Project cooked the hot dogs, Mike and Linda Hobby coordinated a great effort for this event!
• John D. "Skip" Gallup volunteered many hours of photography, both for the 1st Annual Rockin' in Quartzsite and this year's event. You can see his photos of last year's event hanging at Quartzsite Town Hall.  Thanks, Skip, for also taking photos of the Ribbon Cutting yesterday at Alternative Therapies!
• Thank you, Monica Timberlake, for your tireless volunteering for this and many other events for the community! You Rock!
• Town of Quartzsite helped with the use of the fork lift to get the pallet of stones off the truck. Thank you so much, Town Manager Alex Taft for your help and flexibility!
• To the volunteer membership of Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite, I say a heartfelt thank you!  Awesome job everyone! I really appreciate the cooperation of everyone working together. Every event seems to have a few glitches, but ya'll worked together great and without losing your sense of humor! We have many more hours ahead of us, getting ready for the Artist Reception. Let's show Quartzsite what an amazing community we have when we all get together for the benefit of Quartzsite!

Tyson Wells Showgrounds allowed us to transform a warehouse into the Rock Motel where the Rock Art Pieces are now asleep in their "beds". The artists will be painting for the next couple of weeks, away from public viewing. (We don't want to "disturb the rocks" or "awake them" before it's time! tee hee) And then....

Please join us for the

Artist Reception Gala on Saturday, Nov. 6th from 5-8pm.

The public is invited to meet the artists and help wake up the Rocks so they can move onto their next locations all around town for the whole winter season! Here's your chance to get the first look at all the rock art, in one place, before they "hit the town"! This fancy event will honor our artists and allow them to shine! Please join us for the free elegant meet and greet evening of fun, food and entertainment.

Sponsor locations will be found in the Rock Map, published in the Desert Messenger. The public will be able to vote on their favorite for the People's Choice Award at each sponsor's location. Make sure to say thank you to the sponsors, also! It does take a village for an event of this magnitude to happen, so please spread the word and thank everyone involved.

Rockin' in Quartzsite! Today

It'll be a busy day in Quartzsite today!

There will be a ribbon cutting and open house to welcome a new business to Quartzsite at 10 a.m. The new business in town is Alternative Therapies, owned and operated by Barbara Lancaster. Barbara is a registered nurse, who is also trained in Reiki, Hypnosis, and Ear Candling. She also sells Mary Kay products.
Barbara's new office is located at Palm Plaza #8--255 N.Central Blvd (Hwy 95N).
The ribbon cutting is being sponsored by the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce. Please come out
and show your support for this great new business in town and meet Barbara Lancaster and get to know what she does. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. For further information, please call Barbara at 927-5858.

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite presents the 2nd Annual Rockin' in Quartzsite- A Celebration of the Arts! Come on from 11-1 down to the Rock Motel and see the Rock Art Pieces being painted. There will be 15 third and fourth graders from Quartzsite Elementary School joining the fun this year. The Quartzsite Community Prevention Coalition will also be kicking off Red Ribbon Week. There will be lots of activities for the whole family along with free hot dogs! Come join the fun and see the new Rock Art!
This free family event will also include rock painting and a chance to meet the artists. The Red Hat Run-Abouts will have their October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraising booth.
If you missed last year’s event, don’t miss this one! The artists are painting flagstone slabs, which will be very visible when the Rock Art is placed all around town from early November through March 1st. The Rock Art will be available for purchase at the Rock Auction on March 5, 2011.
 
After Rockin' in Quartzsite take a short drive over to Blythe for a car show. There will be a special concert following the car show in Blythe on October 23 at Quechan Park. The concert will feature Paul Winer doing some great piano boogie woogie and blues, doing songs he wrote from his Sweet Pie days, and will be accompanied by Ralph Martin on the washtub base. There is a dinner before the show and it starts at 5 p.m. The entertainment starts at 6 p.m. Cost for the dinner and show is $15.00 per persons, just for the entertainment $8.00. Have a great day at the car show and stay for the dinner and entertainment.The Country Rangers, who are playing at the car show, will also be featured at the evening dinner and entertainment show.They do classic rock and roll, country and country rock. For more information, please call Sam Patel at 760-922-5143.