Chairman’s Message

By: Jeff Fishbein Chairman of the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce

This is it… this is why we live here in La Quinta. The heat has lifted and “winter like” temperate weather has finally arrived. We can finally hike, bike, golf, play tennis and pickle ball without the threat of heat exhaustion. This is the most magical time of the year in La Quinta.

Did you know Irving Berlin is said to have written “White Christmas” while relaxing by the pool at the La Quinta Resort in December of 1937? The song was later recorded by Bing Crosby and released on December 24, 1941 – and it went on to become a huge hit. Bing, a golf enthusiast, was enamored with our beautiful desert scape as well. He often broadcast his radio show from Palm Springs; and later went on to develop the Blue Skies Village in Rancho Mirage – the name an homage to another of his award-winning songs. Elvis Presley penned his own version of “White Christmas” here amidst the palm trees and blazing sun.

Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, both regulars in the Palm Springs socialite scene, brought “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to life on the silver screen in “Meet Me in St. Louis.” While Mel Torme and Nat King Cole (then a resident of what is now Vista Las Palmas and regular performer at the Chi Chi in Palm Springs) made “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” a true classic.

Gene Autry, known for his desert cowboy movies, created and sang several children’s holiday classics. The success of “Here Comes Santa Clause” (which he wrote) prompted Autry to then record “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Classic and timeless, I can’t imagine a family holiday celebration without them. It just goes to show how rich, in history and musical collaboration, our great Valley is.

On that note, let’s all ring in the holidays with a few fun local events that are sure to get you into the spirit. The weather is beautiful this December, so come on out to hear a few of the classic holiday songs written right here at the City of La Quinta’s “Tree Lighting” on December 2nd.

Also, don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll to the “Farmers Market” in Old Town (Sundays - closed on Christmas Day), or peruse some creations at the “Art on Main” on December 10th.

I hope to see you out and about.