Memorial Day Weekend in Wonder Valley

Memorial Day Weekend saw an influx of tourists into Wonder Valley for two special events.

High Desert Test Sites staged Carmen Argote's Vast Furniture at their Iron Age Road property. About 50 people gathered there to see the exhibit, hear the lecture, enjoy a community potluck and camp out under the stars. Kip Fjeld, an HDTS volunteer and itinerant tinkerer, provided rehabbed vintage kerosene lanterns to light the event. A gorgeous sunrise greeted the out-of-towners many of whom trundled over to the Palms for breakfast and gospel music after packing up.

It was a little mind-boggling to see a long row of cars along Iron Age Road. Is it time for Wonder Valley to consider valet parking?

Later Saturday night it was standing room only as around 200 people jammed the patio at the Palms to see Diane Best's three moving image pieces, part of  Boxoproject's Joshua Treenial. Reverend Screaming Fingers (aka Lucio Menegon), Wonder Valley's own The Renderers, and Artemis provided live accompaniment to the movies. The balmy desert night, the blanket of stars, the energy of the crowd, the music, the art, all melded to make a magical night.

Photo, courtesy of Doug Beale

Photo, courtesy of Doug Beale

People told me all the vacation rentals were booked up this weekend. I wondered how the community might better serve visitors on these busy holidays. Once people are in Wonder Valley they want to see more. Perhaps we could stage community popup businesses. Maybe the Glass Outhouse and Wonder Valley Thrift and the Community Center could be open and do something special - a crafts fair, a coffee/beverage shop, a bake sale, something that highlights the best of Wonder Valley. Let's think on it.

A big Wonder Valley thanks to Joshua Treenial, Diane Best, Lucio Menegon, the Renderers, Artemis, the Palms, and High Desert Test Sites for making this such an amazing weekend.