Quartzsite was hit hard by a storm on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. Using everything in sight to hold down the Big Tent, organizers evacuated everyone and the 27th Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show shut down in preparation of the big storm. Alex Taft, Town Manager said, "I'm so glad they took those precautions, as it kept people safe."

Some people did not heed the warnings, as Quartzsite Police were called to rescue stranded motorists in Tyson Wash during the night. The wash was running so strong rescuers resorted to "bucket lift" the occupants to safety. During the night RVs moved to higher ground (even inches help in the desert) as the parking lot at Rice Ranch turned into a lake again, overflowing the bank and flooding vendors and areas around The Gamblers on E. Kuehn.

Strong winds uprooted many saguaros around town and destroyed many vendors' tents. Hard hit was Tyson Wells Showgrounds and Desert Gardens. The next day brought out residents and visitors to view the damage and more calls to the police with "stupid motorist laws" being broken.

Vendors helped each other with packing, and saving merchandise, finding parts and pieces of canopies, and support. Many vendors set up within 24 hours and were back in business for the crowds. Once again, folks got creative and made lemonade from lemons!

Hi Jolly Daze Parade Success!

The Annual Hi Jolly Daze Parade was held Sat. Jan. 9. Joannie Qualls, Parade Coordinator, pulled off an amazing "miracle". With just 5 weeks to plan this event, she proved to be a huge asset to the community! Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ), in cooperation with the Town of Quartzsite provided many volunteers to make this the best parade in many years!

Helen Madden-Hoffman was our Grand Marshall this year. She is the owner of the Yacht Club and has helped the community in so many ways over the years. Acting Mayor Wes Huntley had fun riding in the parade, too. The Quartzsite Clowns almost disbanned last week, but a young group stepped in to save the organization. There were so many wonderfully creative floats this year, along with musicians, La Paz County youth royalty, local businesses, cars, ATV's, pets, horses, tractors, old and young participants, and even a political entry. Paul Winer did a fantastic job as MC for the parade and also at the park.

Almost 50 entries competed for the coveted new trophies. PNQ artists painted rock slabs with unique camel desert scenes. The artists were supervised by Frankie Adams, who also was responsible for the fundraising booth at the park.

After the parade activities continued at the Town Park. At the rock painting table, children and adults kept coordinators, Helen and Bev busy all afternoon. The rock games led by Tom and Joann Cunningham provided an alternative challenge for the children.

Hamburgers were provided by the Quartzsite Fire Dept. Cadets and Fire Fighters, who also gave demonstrations for the crowd. The Rotary also provided chili boats and had a raffle for a computer. The First Assembly of God served up so much food they sold out too.

Operation Hero Comfort had a display of their work for our local troops. Cencus 2010 gave out flyers and information.

PNQ sold desserts, "Quartzsite Rocks!" Bumper Stickers, and raffled off a Boulder Art Piece painted by Oney Budge and the community on Nov. 14, 2009. Linda Ward, of Quartzsite, won the boulder. As it turns out, some of "her kids" at the Quartzsite Elementary School helped paint the boulder. How perfect is that?

The Colorado River Riders provided a cowboy re-enactment with a great sense of humor! Their float and costumes were so beautiful.

It was a fun filled day for many in Quartzsite!

Hi Jolly Daze Parade

The Annual Hi Jolly Daze Parade will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010, starting at noon.

NOTE THE DATE CORRECTION!

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite in cooperation with the Town of Quartzsite and other sponsors is planning the best parade in years!


Hi Jolly Daze Parade route is the same as last year, starting at the Fire Station and heading east on Tyson to south on Plymouth, ending at the Town Park, where there will be fun events for the whole family.

The theme this year is "In the Good Old Days" chosen by last year's winner, Tews RV Park. Come on down for a fun day!

Quartzsite, the Rock Capital of the World

A very important event occured on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, when Acting Mayor Wes Huntly proclaimed Quartzsite, Arizona, as the "Rock Capital of the World" during the regular meeting of the Town Council.

Stating "the residents of Quartzsite, Arizona, are proud of our rich history of gold mining, prospecting, and love of rock...each year buyers and sellers from around the world are attracted to our region for the finest rocks, gems and minerals...and is the home of the nation's largest rock and gem club", Huntley went on to say that the "Town of Quartzsite, Arizona will continue to promote the community, and support those ideals and projects that will grow the distinction of our community as the "Rock Capital of the World"! A copy of the whole proclamation is posted at Town Hall for all to view.

Council member, Joe Winslow said, "We need to be proud of this, it's a big deal!" Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) invites "all residents, businesses, organizations and visitors to start claiming it in emails, letters, cards, advertising, etc. to tell the whole world what an amazing town this is!" said Starr BearCat, PNQ President.

AT&T outage in Quartzsite

Yesterday evening, Dec. 7, 2009, a storm blew through Quartzsite, bringing lightening, thunder, rain, hail, and then extreme winds followed throughout the night. Vendors all over town have lost their canopies, and much of their product has been damaged.

We heard on the scanner that a truck blew over on I-10 near MP 21-23. The washes were all running last night, east/west and north/south. There were reports of a motor home losing their roof, a small building at La Mesa RV lost their metal roofing, and Flying J reported part of their roof came off. We saw today a food vendor's trailer at the corner of Hwy. 95 and E. Kuehn was moved about 100 yards, keeping upright and on it's wheels. Behind Quartzsite Marketplace, a large canopy ended up wrapped around a light pole, a large cactus at Silly Al's Pizza fell against the fence,

This morning most cell phone service was down. Early this morning, one vendor told me his T-Mobile Service was working and that's the only service he knew that was up. While running around town getting photos, everyone else said none of their phones were working either. Verizon was back on line late in the morning, however as of 3:00pm AT&T is still down.

It is very challenging to run a newspaper with no cell phone. So anyone reading this, please take into consideration all of this when trying to reach me in the next few days. Deadline is officially tomorrow for next week's Dec. 16th issue, however, I still have email service, and I'm willing to work late to get your ads in.

Tonight is the Town Council meeting at 7pm. See me there! Rain

Rockin' in Quartzsite Artist Reception Sneak Preview

Rockin' in Quartzsite! was a gigantic success! Sat. Nov. 14, the public had the opportunity to meet the artists and get a sneak preview of the Boulder Art Pieces. Over 200 guests came to the "Rock Motel" filled with curiosity. Members of Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite transformed a warehouse donated by Kym Scott of Tyson Wells Showgrounds, into the Rock Motel.

The artists have been working for three weeks, painting their Boulder Art Piece. Due to some last minute changes, PNQ had 16 Boulder Art Pieces, plus one Community Painting Boulder - a fundraiser for our new project, Quartzsite Children's Music Program.

The Moreira family helped bring sweetness to the event by serving sparkling cider to the guests. Some of the even painted on the Community Boulder, which is shown below.

Artist Jesse Ray Koontz, with his boulder, "Evening Splender". "Ray Ray", as many know him, was of great help, finding boulders to paint, fork lift/backhoe driver and trailers.

Two musical groups performed for the evening. Both offered their free entertainment at the last minute. It was wonderful combination for the night.

Sunday morning, the Boulder Art Pieces were loaded up and moved to the sponsor's locations around town. There they will spend the next three months giving pleasure to visitors and residents alike. People will be able to vote for their favorite Boulder Art Piece in the People's Choice Award.

On March 6, 2010, PNQ hosts the "Rock Auction", where the public will be able to bid on their favorite boulders.

Ed Foster files charges against Town Council Members

Ed Foster's Letter to the Editor follows. Click to enlarge.
Letter arrived at Desert Messenger on Sunday, and due to length, content and time constraints, I have chosen to publish here instead of the Desert Messenger Nov. 4th issue #97. Foster filed charges beginning on Oct. 26, 2009. Council member, Hal Davidson, resigned his position as of noon, Wed. Oct. 28, 2009, stating, "The reasons are many...It has been a great honor serving Quartzsite, but I feel I am no longer of any use to the current council." This morning at 8:30am, Patricia Anderson and Jerry Lukkasson were sworn in as new Council Members. Please note the opinions expressed below do not represent those of the Desert Messenger. Letters to the Editor are opinions of the author.