Author: dailycastsocal

Visit Greater Palm Springs (California) aims to attract visitors with a new “Born to Chill” campaign. The destination has launched its summer marketing mission for 2025, focusing on the restful nature of Palm Springs. The campaign was unveiled on 27 May, and runs across all media platforms. The creative features animated visuals and taglines such as “Born to Play”, “Born to Splash”, “Born to Groove”, “Born to Zen” and “Born to Taste.” Each theme represents different attractions – such as wellness retreats and desert hikes. “It’s not just about what you can do here – it’s about how you’ll feel,” said Colleen Pace, chief sales & marketing officer at Visit Greater Palm Springs. Key campaign themes include: Born to Splash: Pools, lazy rivers and waterparks in 300+ days of sunshine. Born to Play: Outdoor activities like golf, hiking, biking and pickleball. Born to Groove: Live music, DJ sets and desert nightlife. Born to Zen: Spa treatments, yoga and hot springs. Born to Taste: Local food and drink – from farm fare to frozen treats. Born to Chill: Vacation deals and hotel offers. Visitors are encouraged to share their summer experiences using #BornToChill and #SummerInGPS. Some more facts about Greater Palm Springs: Economic impact: In 2023, the region welcomed 14.4m visitors, generating a total economic impact of $9bn and supporting nearly 51,000 jobs. Cultural events: The upcoming reopening of the Historic Plaza Theatre in December 2025 is set to enhance the area’s cultural landscape. Culinary scene: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, running from May 30 to June 8, 2025, features over 100 restaurants offering prix-fixe menus. Proceeds will support local food banks. Greater Palm Springs includes nine cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. The region is a short drive from LA, San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas, and is served by 30+ nonstop flights into Palm Springs International Airport. Learn more at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com Source link

Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily. In early May, the small city of Banning, California, hosted the Palm Springs Hot Rodeo. The competition, which has occurred most years for the past 50, salutes the homoeroticism of rodeo culture. The four-day event—an official stop on the International Gay Rodeo Association circuit—features traditional rodeo events like steer wrestling and calf roping, along with more whimsical activities like a wild drag race, in which a person in drag rides a steer while their teammates guide it, and goat dressing, in which a pair attempts to put tighty-whities on a goat as quickly as possible. All events are open to any gender—men can barrel race and women can bull ride. “A lot of gay people can’t be incorporated into the other rodeo world,” contestant Savannah Smith told me. “You can do whatever you want here,” she added, “and everyone here is supportive.”  This year, the festive event took place against increasing attacks on queer rights. Two days after the rodeo ended, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration’s ban on transgender soldiers in the US military. It is unclear what will be targeted next; some fear the overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 decision legalizing gay marriage. Against this backdrop, the Hot Rodeo serves as an important reminder of the resilience of queer culture in America, with its inclusive celebration of LGBTQ athleticism and joy.  Curt Black and Bob Bayne set up contestant registration at the Tool Shed, a gay bar in Palm Springs, 30 minutes away from Banning, where the Hot Rodeo takes place. Alexander Saites partners with Matthew Garcia during the rodeo’s dance contest. Curt Black shows off his Palm Springs Hot Rodeo Outstanding Volunteer buckle. Zac Rogen, a Hot Rodeo participant, says gay rodeos help keep queer representation in Western culture. Brian Helander warms up his horse before competing in the Hot Rodeo. Bob Bayne and Daniel Guevara participate in the rodeo’s “riderless horse” tradition. The riderless horse symbolizes those involved with the International Gay Rodeo Association who have since died, particularly those who died from complications with AIDS. Rodeo director Sylvia Mower takes off her hat during the riderless horse procession. David Lawson and Greg Begay compete in the steer decorating event. The goal is for a team of two to tie a ribbon on a steer’s tail as quickly as possible. Begay, who has been involved with gay rodeos for years, says, “It’s always been my goal in life to rodeo, and it just so happens that I’m gay.” Brian Contratto and Gunner Sizemore compete in the goat dressing event. The goal is to catch a goat and place a pair of underwear on it as quickly as possible. Brian Contratto shows off a tooth that broke in half during his steer riding event. Katie Shaw and Pepe Lozada compete in the team roping event. Love Bailey, the rodeo’s community grand marshal, performs during the grand entry. Chris Otten holds his cowbell, painted with a pride flag, after competing in the bull riding event. Rodeo contestants Steven Housley and Scott Reed pose for a portrait. The Palm Springs Hot Rodeo is the first gay rodeo Reed has participated in. “It’s the most welcoming group I’ve ever been around,” he says, adding, “Everyone here is equal.” Two men dance together at the Dancing Under the Stars party hosted by the Palm Springs Hot Rodeo at Oscar’s, a bar in downtown Palm Springs. Source link