Hi Jolly Daze Parade planned for January 7th, 2012 Quartzsite AZ

The 24th Annual Hi Jolly Daze Parade will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at noon. The Town of Quartzsite and many sponsors are planning the best parade in years!

The theme this year is “Arizona thru the Century” with the Arizona Centennial year upon us. Enter your float, walk, dance, play your music, ride your bike, drive your car, ATV, RV, or walk the dog, but bring the whole family and your friends for a fun time.

The Hi Jolly Daze Parade and activities afterwards at Town Park brings the residents, businesses, organizations and our Winter Visitors together to celebrate our winter season and pay tribute to the man who made our area his home for fifty years.

In the mid 1850’s Hadji Ali, better known as Hi Jolly, came with his camels to our desert area. He served the United States Army in an experiment to use the camels as beasts of burden. However, the camels were not compatible with the Army mules and the experiment was cancelled in 1864.

But, Hi Jolly remained in our area until his death in 1902. In 1935 the Governor of Arizona dedicated a monument in his honor, at the site of his Quartzsite grave. This monument, known as “Hi Jolly’s Last Camp” is one of the most visited spots in Southwest Arizona. It is newly registered as a Historic Site. Quartzsite is still to this day one of the most visited spots in Arizona.

The parade will start at 12:00 NOON. The parade starts at the Fire Station on E. Tyson, heads east, then south on Plymouth ending up at Town Park where there will be lots of food, music and fun for the whole family.

Parade Entry Forms may be picked up at: Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall and the Quartzsite Senior Center. No Entry FEES! Or download online at www.AZCentennialofQtz.blogspot.com. Drop off the Entry forms at Town Hall. Please turn in entries by Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

Please call Quartzsite Town Hall for more information at 928-927-4333 or call Rain at 541-218-2560.

Thank you to the community for 9/11 Remembrance

Thank you to all the participants of last night's

Night of Hope-A Community Remembers 9/11

Last night's event was truly a group effort of many caring individuals. Thank you to Michelle Lukkasson for her MC work. Thanks to the men and women of VFW Post 769 for the great showing of strength of our warriors and Honor Guard. Thank you to Pastor Bruce Swart and Pastor Mike Hobby for their opening and closing prayers; Linda Hobby and her guitar player, Danny, shared some beautifully performed songs. Thank you to those who shared their wisdom: Speeches were made by VFW State Commander Dennis Dole, newly elected Mayor Jose Lizarraga, QPD Chief Jeff Gilbert. QFD Chief Kevin Hess showed a beautiful tribute video. Joanne Winer announced the new focus in Celia's Rainbow Gardens this year will be the memorial area. Individuals shared their stories of that day and then candles were lit. Thank you to Council Members, Jerry Lukkasson and Joe Winslow for helping with the lighting of the candles. Thank you Monica Timberlake for your music choices.

A huge thank you to Anita Carlson of Operation Hero Comfort, who provided all the flags to hand out to the crowd. The volunteers also provided cards to be signed that will be sent out to our troops in their next "care package" sent oversees! Anita really cares!

Quartzsite is a beautiful community of loving, caring people. So many shared their gratitude for living in Quartzsite. The night proved to be a night of healing, as the community came together to honor those who lost their lives in the tragedy of September 11th. We will never forget!

Thank you to all the folks who helped with the decorating and the cleanup. This event was sponsored by the Arizona Centennial of Quartzsite Committee. Members Audrey Burger, Monica Timberlake, Michelle Lukkasson, Mary Huntley, and myself thank the community for such a wonderful turnout!

Upcoming events in Quartzsite, Arizona

Check out the some of the events planned

for this season in Quartzsite!

10th Anniversary of 9/11
Sunday, Sept. 11th, at 7pm at Town Park Pavillion. Night of Hope- A Community Remembers 9/11 Candlelighting Ceremony in a hometown tribute to those who lost their lives and to the heroes who responded to the catastrophic events of 9/11.

Cruise In Sept. 17 - 7pm
The next Cruise-in will be held this Saturday, Sept. 17th, now at 7pm due to the summer heat. Come out and see some great vintage and antique vehicles at Quick Check Shell Station, corner of Main & Hwy. 95. There are some great deals on hot dogs for only 50 cents, plus drinks and ice cream specials too! Cruise-ins take place every other Saturday!

Movie at the Park Sat. Sept. 17
Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (QSAPC) is hosting an evening of fun at Town Park, Sat. Sept. 17 beginning at 6pm. There will be water slides for the kids, and a movie at dusk.
Hot Dogs, Frito Pies, and snacks will be available for purchase. The FREE MOVIE this month is Soul Surfer with Classic Cartoons beforehand. Bring your chairs and blankets for a fun evening on the grass at the football field. Sponsored by Cenpatico.

Cactus Sale, Oct. 1st
The Hi Jolly Cemetery will hold a fundraiser Cactus Sale on Sat. October 1st at Quartzsite Bakery. Proceeds raised will go toward the Hi Jolly Cemetery.

Quartzsite Country Bash, Oct. 15
Opens at 2pm. Concert with Harry Luge, 8 pm. Rodeo, Horseshoe Tournaments, Vendors, Food, Beer Garden, Kid’s Bounce House, Karaoke Contest, Beard/Mustache growing contest begins. Pre-party event on Fri. Oct. 14. $20/advance, $25/door. www.quartzsitecountrybash.com.

Oct. 22 Red Ribbon Day
at Town Park. Sponsored by Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. Contact Tracey at the Recreation Dept.
928-927-9182.

Oct. 28 Halloween Caravan
Only in Quartzsite do children get bussed to RV parks and businesses for Trick-or Treating. This fun event has been taking place for over 15 years in Quartzsite, started by Joanne Winer.

Oct. 29 Spirit Walk at Cemetery
This fun historical walk into Quartzsite’s past with members (“Spirits”) of the community hamming it up at selected gravesites! Come take a tour of our Pioneer section and let the “Spirits” lead you back to a time when water was scarce and the heat deadly! Hi Jolly’s pyramidal monument is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places! 928-927-6593.

Nov. 3, “Rockin’ Reveal”
Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite “reveals” the Rock Art local artists have been painting the previous two weeks. The Rock Art will be revealed during the Artist Reception beginning at 6pm. Held at “the Rock Motel” at Tyson Wells Showgrounds, W. Kuehn and Hwy. 95. Cheese, crackers and a “bit of the bubbly” will be served as artists showcase their one-of-a-kind Rock Art before they “hit the street” at a variety of sponsors around town. The public display will be followed by the “Rock Auction” in March. Contact Linda Ward, 803-984-4230.

Nov 12, 13 Town wide Yard Sale
with Quartzsite GFWC Women’s Club. Contact PJ Bettmann at 928-927-5324.

Nov. 14 Old Fashioned Pie Auction and 100 years of Aprons Show
at Quartzsite Senior Center

Nov. 19 Turkey Hunt Poker Run
Sponsored by Quartzsite Rotary. Contact Angie Masales,
805-312-1544.

Dec. 3 Fashion Show Through the ages
Quartzsite GFWC Women’s Club Fashion Show at the Quartzsite Senior Center. Violet Kiss.

Dec. 3 Christmas Light Parade
by Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce, 6pm. 928-927-9321, www.QuartzsiteBusinessChamber.com

Dec. 10 Silent Auction
Operation Hero Comfort Annual Fundraiser 1-3pm. Town Hall. Contact Anita Carlson,
928-927-4292.

Jan. 7 Hi Jolly Daze Parade
Arizona through the Century theme

Feb. 11 -14 AZ Centennial Finale

Sat. Feb. 11: ATV Parade, Party at Town Park, Year in Review, 10 Decades of Music, Lasting Legacy Project, Quilt Raffle, and more!

Feb. 14th, Happy Birthday Arizona! Birthday Cake and Ice Cream Social!

Night of Hope - Quartzsite community remembers 9/11

Join the Quartzsite community as we

remember September 11th

on Sunday, September 11, 2011

7pm at Town Park Pavillion

Negative Quartzsite news troubles town residents - KSWT: Local News, Weather, Sports Yuma, AZ El Centro Imperial Valley, CA

News article on Quartzsite by KSWT in Yuma.

Negative Quartzsite news troubles town residents - KSWT: Local News, Weather, Sports Yuma, AZ El Centro Imperial Valley, CA

Arizona Centennial of Quartzsite will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, July 26th at 10:00am at Quartzsite Library. Come join the fun planning for the AZ Centennial Finale in February 2012!

Quartzsite ATV Parade- Centennial Kickoff!

Quartzsite- The Annual ATV Parade will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011. The parade is sponsored by Willpower, Inc. Pick up and drop off entry forms at the Animal Refuge Thrift Store 455 E. Main St. and at the Library. Donations would be greatly appreciated.


Lineup is at the southside of QIA at 10am. Parade starts at 11am.

The parade route this year will travel east on Main Street, north on Plymouth and end at the Town Park where festivities will kickoff the year long celebration of the Arizona Centennial.

Skyhawk will be providing enterainment. 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.

For more information contact Patty Patton at 928-916-0657.

Nashville meets Las Vegas in Quartzsite! Feb. 13, 7pm

The Arizona Centennial Committee of Quartzsite presents the Legends of Country Music Show at the Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 7pm. The show benefits the Lasting Legacy Project.
Larry King continues his 25 year tradition of bringing his award winning country music show to the stage and for the first time in Quartzsite! As the owner, director, star and host of the show, King has opened for many top entertainers. Larry King is an International Recording Artist, having his music played throughout the U.S and in several countries. The late Buck Owens gave him the title “KING of Country Legends” because of his tireless dedication in keeping Classic Country Music alive for future generations.

This live, fast paced country show is 2nd to none. You will be entertained with 90 minutes of country’s #1 hit songs. Larry King, along with the Legendary Band, brings to life the songs you’ll remember from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Legends of Country Music pays tribute to legendary entertainers including Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, George Strait, over 20 in all, making it the largest tribute show touring today! Added to the mix is tid-bits of information about the songs or artists, family-style humor, a touching military salute, and a little gospel. Seeing this show is like taking a musical journey through the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Legendary Band is comprised of five of the best, multi-talented musicians West of the Grand Ole Opry. Each member has performed with many of the legends featured in the show. Each performer and musician in the legends of Country Music Show takes great pride in performing the songs as close to the original as possible and the way you remember them. Adding the female touch to the show is Miss Rachel Ann from Gilbert, Ariz. She brings to life the hits from the legendary ladies of country music.

Come see this spectacular show. It will be a time you aren’t soon to forget! Show tickets are $15 in advance, $30 at the door. Purchase tickets at Town Hall, Quartzsite Business Chamber and Main St. Eatery.

Call Monica Timberlake for ticket information at 928-916-4120. For additional show information visit www.CountryPrideProductions.com

Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off Rules & Entry Form

Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off February 26, 2011

Proceeds benefit the Arizona Centennial of Quartzsite!

(This is NOT CASI sanctioned event).

This Chili Cook-Off is for FUN and great prizes, too!

All contestants must PROMISE TO HAVE FUN!

Entry Forms and Participant Waiver Forms must be received no later than Feb. 23, 2011. Entry fees are: $10 for Chili Cook-Off, $10 for Salsa Challenge, or $15 for both.

Make checks payable to Town of Quartzsite with “Chili” in the memo field.

AWARDS: Three (3) Chili People’s Choice – Cash Awards

Three (3) Best Salsa Awards

Best Booth Presentation of Theme “Miners Style”

CHILI COOK-OFF RULES

1. Each contestant must prepare a minimum of 3 GALLONS OF CHILI for tasting by the people. We encourage making more!

2. Winner of the People's Choice Award will be based on the ballots turned in by the people.

3. Set up of your assigned area must be complete and chili ready to serve the public by 12 noon sharp!

4. Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off will provide biodegradable tasting cups, spoons, napkins, and voting tickets for the public. The committee also will provide a 1-oz ladle & ballet box for the contestants.

5. A listing of ingredients used to make the chili must be displayed (quantities don’t need to be included).

6. Each contestant must have CURRENT La Paz County FOOD HANDLERS Card.

7. Please provide your own bleach bucket, tables, shade, ingredients, meat thermometer, and signs.

8. Chili may contain beans or other fillers. (but no dirt)

9. MEAT MAY NOT BE PRE- COOKED, in any manner. All other ingredients must be chopped or prepared during the preparation period. No ingredient may be pre-cooked in any way prior to the commencement of the official cook-off. The only exceptions are canned or bottled tomatoes, tomato sauce, peppers, pepper sauce, beans, broth and grinding and/or mixing of spices. Meat may be treated, pre-cut or ground. ABSOLUTELY NO CANNED CHILI!

10. All chili must be cooked from “scratch” on site the day of the cook-off. All chili must be prepared in the open (no cooking in motor homes, etc.).

11. “Scratch” is defined as starting with raw meat. No marinating is allowed.

12. Cooks may be required to taste their own chili.

SALSA CHALLENGE RULES

1. All salsa will be prepared on site. Each contestant must make a minimum of TWO QUARTS of salsa for tasting. Preparations may begin anytime after 7am. It might be a good idea to have some chips when people taste your creation.

2. Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off will provide tasting cups, spoons, napkins, and voting tickets for the public. The committee also will provide a 1-oz ladle & ballet box for the contestants.

3. There are no rules as to the ingredients or how to prepare your Salsa.

4. A listing of ingredients used to make the salsa must be displayed (quantities don’t need to be included).

5. Each contestant must have CURRENT La Paz County FOOD HANDLERS Card.

6. Please provide your own bleach bucket, tables, shade, ingredients, and signs.

SHOWMANSHIP:

Keeping with the Arizona Centennial Celebration, this year’s theme is “Miners’ Style”!

Get creative! Bring costumes, decorations, signs, etc. and win prizes!

Showmanship, like chili, must be in good taste and is judged on the following five criteria:

- Theme

- Costume

- Booth Set up

- Action

- Audience Appeal

Showmanship judges will remain anonymous to everyone during the judging.

ENTRY FORM

To Download the rules, entry form and waiver
 click HERE

Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off planned for Saturday Feb. 26, 2011

The Arizona Centennial Committee of Quartzsite will host the Quartzsite Chili Cook-Off this year!

Bring your favorite recipes and have some fun!

Stay tuned for more information!

Applications are in the January 16th issue of the Desert Messenger. Rules will soon be posted here!

Contact Michelle or Jerry Lukkasson for more information, 928-308-0011

or stop by Main Street Eatery in front of Main Street Laundromat!