The Desert Rat Convention is returning to Twentynine Palms. The gathering was a May tradition in the high desert as part of May Day celebrations starting in 1937 and lasting until ‘48 when Pioneer Days moved to October.
Now, the convention is back with a full day of fun for the whole family. From Noon to 4 enjoy family activities such as a scavenger hunt for kids and adults, a First Class Miners demonstration, rock painting with ReachOut 29, a Rat Raffle with lots of fun prizes, two holes of mini golf, face painting and a photo booth for selfies.
Snacks will be available during the day, and the museum and research library will be open for those who enjoy poking through the rich history that the Twentynine Palms Historical Society preserves at the Old Schoolhouse Museum. Even the famous Hastie Bus will be out of the barn to stretch its legs.
A Bravados Wild West show will kick off at High Noon… then stick around or come back for the BBQ Dinner by Mine Train Smokery with live music by the Melancholy Babies. Tickets are only $30 and all proceeds from the days events go to putting up lights in the museum’s parking lot. You can purchase tickets at the gathering from any historical society member.
That’s the Desert Rat Convention – returning to Twentynine Palms after 76 years. The fun begins at noon on Saturday.
Check out the hand-painted banner by local sign-painter Golden West Sign Arts:
