Twentynine Palms’ oldest and most unique tradition, the annual Weed Show, will celebrate its 78th year this weekend. The show will be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Twentynine Palms Historical Society’s Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive.
The annual event, which originated in the community in the 1940s, is a desert version of the traditional judged flower show. It features desert denizens competing for the best composition using local dried plant material (weeds) and found objects in a variety of themed categories, including one for kids only and one category using an arrangement of live plant material with museum-quality purple glass as an accessory.
This year’s Weed Show committee selected “Colorful Characters” for its overall theme. All 12 entry categories pay tribute to some of Twentynine Palms’ most colorful former residents and homesteaders. Included are pioneer women Blanche Ellis, Nelle Godwin, Barbara Grether, Alice Moses, Prudie Underhill, and Doreen Chamberlain; early businessmen Johnnie Hastie of 29 Palms Stage and photographer Ted Richardson, plus recreation director Bill Proctor; and gold miners and historical figures Bill Keys, Bill McHaney, and John Samuelson, who were also connected to the history of Joshua Tree National Park.
Along with the first, second, third place and honorable mention ribbons awarded by the official Weed Show judges, the public is invited to view the show on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4, and cast their own votes for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Admission is free.
The Old Schoolhouse Museum is located on National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms, near Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters and Oasis Visitor Center. For directions, contact the museum at (760) 367-2366. For more information about the Weed Show, go to the historical society’s website at www.29palmshistorical.com.
Credit: inlandempire.us
