For 71 years, Grubstake Days has celebrated the pioneer heritage of the Morongo Basin and this year’s full list of events has been posted. Reporter Heather Clisby has the detailed schedule …
Since 1951, Grubstake Days has delighted locals by celebrating the western desert culture and this year’s event will take place over Memorial Day Weekend starting Thursday, May 26, and going through Monday, May 30. Grubstake Days kicks off with a mixer on Thursday, May 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by Pacific Western Bank, 7272 Joshua Lane. This networking event will have a cash bar, a silent auction, games and prizes. On Friday, May 27, there will be the Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament at Hawks Landing Golf Course at 55100 Martinez Trail starting promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 28, will feature the Hometown Heroes Parade starting at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Fe Trail and ending at Cherokee Trail in Old Town Yucca Valley. That same day, there will be a Horseshoe Tournament starting at 11:00 a.m. at Brehm Youth Sports Park (56500, 56640 Little League Drive.) First place prize is $300, second place is $200 and third place is $100, including plaques for all. Entry cost is $20 for teams of two and sign-ups are day-of, or by calling 760-974-7310. There will also be a Beard Contest on Saturday at noon involving six categories: Stache Daddy, Full Beard, Partial Beard, Freestyle, Length and People’s Choice, that last one comes with a cash prize. All beards should report to Brehm Youth Sports Park 56500 Little League Drive. Each category has a $15 sign-up fee. For more info, call 760-974-7310. Sunday, May 29, brings several events, including the Go for the Gold 10K/5K Run and 2K Walk which begins at 8:00 a.m. at Yucca Valley High School, 7600 Sage Avenue. Early Bird sign-ups are $20 (includes shirt/gift) and regular on-site sign-up will be $25. Register online (http://yuccavalley.org/) or in person at Yucca Valley Community Center, 57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy. For more info, call 760-369-7211. At high noon on Sunday, the popular Pony Express Ride will gallop down Mane Street in Pioneertown carrying local mail to the post office. Free postcards and postage will be provided on site just before the ride and stamped mail can be brought to the chamber office before May 27. A commemorative cancellation stamp will be stamped on all Thru June 30, 2022. There will also be a Friends of Pioneertown Brownie Bake-Off and souvenir pictures on sale. Monday, May 30 will be Grubstake Kids’ Day at the Boys & Girls Club, 56525 Little League Drive from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be crafts, water games, family activities and jumpers. Available food includes BBQ, snacks and snow cones. The Kids’ Day includes the Little Miss & Mr. Miner Personality Contest from 12:30 p.m to 2:30 p.m. The Personality Talent Competition is open to kids ages 4-12 with a one-year modeling contract, sash and trophies for the winners. Entry forms can be found through the Boys & Girls Club, Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and McMillan Institute for the Arts Facebook page. For more info or to register for these events, visit yuccavalley.org or call 760-365-6323.
