The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce hosted a 2017 Pioneer Days planning session yesterday. Chamber President Jacob Smith gave a rundown for the 81st annual community celebration, set for the second and third weeks on October, with a kick-off event September 15. The theme, submitted by Ann Congdon, is “On the Frontier, Preserving the Past while Forging the Future.” The traditional parade will honor Grand Marshals Owen and Audrey Gillick. Smith announced there would be no carnival this year, saying the Chamber will instead rent some rides and games and operate them themselves. Events will include the outhouse races, pancake breakfast, chili dinner, a craft fair, children’s say, Little Miss and Master contest, a golf tournament, and an animal parade. Other events will be live Concerts, a Beer Garden, skateboard and video game contests and a Firetruck pull.
