May 3 and 4
Joshua Tree readies Annual Turtle Days

Joshua tree – Joshua Tree will celebrate turtle day is May 3-4.

Schedule events include an 8 p.m. dance Friday night at Sportsmen’s hall on Sunbursts Avenue; A parade starting at 10 a.m. Saturday morning in the downtown Joshua Tree; an arts and crafts display Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Elementary school multi-purpose room on Sunburst Avenue; and a gymkhana Sunday at 2 p.m. in Sportsman’s Park. There will be rides, game booths, food booths and “tailgaters” with rocks and jewelry, crafts and souvenirs at Sportsmen’s Hall and Park on both days. Russell and Mousey Hayden of Pioneertown will be the grand marshals of the parade.

Live turtle racing were a feature of Turtle Days in earlier years. But they are no longer allowed because the desert tortoise is an endangered species. Mechanical turtle races are now held in the park.