It’s become a ritual every April for the last 20 years in the Coachella Valley. Tens of thousands of people flood into the desert to enjoy and work the Coachella and Stagecoach Music festivals along with the parties, events, and everything else associated with what has become the biggest overall music festival and quite arguably the most influential country fest in the world. But then came the coronavirus and Goldenvoice moved the festivals to the fall – which I think we can all agree is sooooooo much better than an outright cancellation. So now, while October is going to be a roaring time in the Greater Palm Springs Area, April is going too be, well, no one really knows at this point.
And while no one knows how the coronavirus will affect things tomorrow, let alone next month, let’s assume it’s much more under control and things have settled down a bit by then (because to think anything otherwise is terrifying and a topic for an author that knows more about pandemics). That said, the first thing we have to consider is what everyone is going to do with all those hotel reservations.
For that, KTLA anchor Samantha Cortese has an idea (item #2, though #4 is worth noting as well):
Thoughts:
– October is my favorite month in the desert.
– If you have non-refundable accommodations, plz go anyway & support local shops that need April biz to survive summer.
– Anything conflicting with football is a bummer.
– @ItsCactusHugs funny ideas for fall themes/fashion.— Samantha Cortese (@SamanthaCortese) March 10, 2020
It’s true! Coachella Valley businesses would greatly welcome the business, plus it’s super nice in April and you could enjoy the pool without a hangover and the dreaded Cough-chella for once!
As for the larger corporate bookings for April, perhaps they could consider making it a retreat weekend for staff or just give away rooms or Airbnb that are already booked as rewards for a job well done? Just a thought.
Okay, so, great, maybe we make the most of room bookings and such, now what is everyone going to do? Well, in case you haven’t noticed, the desert is rad. There are tons of amazing hiking trails, golf courses, spas, pools, and more around the desert. And that’s just for starters, For those coming in from out of town, message me and I will be more than happy to offer up some suggestions.
And while I’m happy to help, who knows how much little ‘ol me can do up here on my soapbox. The big hope is that now is the time that those millions of dollars collected each year in transient occupancy tax fees and given to a few agencies to promote the Coachella Valley are truly worth it. Because let’s be honest here, promoting rooms and businesses in the desert with Coachella and Stagecoach going on is basically a no-brainer – but now, it’s time for these agencies to show they are really worth their huge costs every year – as all of our wallets and bank accounts are depending on it.
