Palm Springs Valley – The latest trend in tourism seems to be what is called “agri-tourism” – and Riverside County officials want to promote our rich farming industry here by creating an “ag trail.” This trail would connect farms and ranches together, creating a network of attractions that would ultimately promote Riverside County’s $1 billion agricultural industry.
This proposal is spearheaded by John Benoit and Jeff Stone, County Supervisors, and will be considered by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. What it calls for is a full-fledged trail that would be mapped out by the end of February – there will be printed and online guides pointing tourists, school groups and others to farms, ranches, farmers markets, wineries, historical points of interest, events like the Date Festival in Indio, and more – to learn about the process of producing crops and getting them to market.
In the County of Riverside, there exists about 1,700 farming sites. There would be at least 50 to 75 stops on the trail, working its way east from Blythe and stops would be updated as needed. For instance, Shields Date Garden in Indio could be one stop on the ag-trail. People who are already visiting our county or residents here would be encouraged to get out and explore this aspect of our area – and purchase fresh grown products while they’re out there.
The ag-trail is actually part of a broader focus by top county officials on agriculture in Riverside – which exports to 70 different countries and has a $3 billion impact on the local economy. It is hopeful that the trail will be a good way to make the public aware of farming and the issues surrounding it, as concerns are here in our county and state that growth ongoingly threatens to displace our farmers and ranchers.
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Polo Clubs in the Palm Springs Valley
Deer Creek Equestrian Center
There are two Internationally recognized Polo Clubs in the Palm Springs Valley. Both are located in the Eastern side of the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs Valley and Coachella Valley are synonymous). The Eastern side of the Valley is much less developed and has a wonderful rural feel. There are many housing developments of course, (See La Quinta, Indio, Thermal and Vista Santa Rosa), but there is also a surreal feel to this side of our Valley.
The two polo clubs, Eldorado and Empire, occupy hundreds of acres of open land. There are approximately 20 playing fields between the two clubs, with each polo field being about the size of 9 football fields! Polo is a huge industry to the Eastern Valley bringing in approx. 1,000 horses each season, some 250 players and their families and grooms. Housing leases and sales occur along with all of our polo visitors..good for our Valley!
The Polo season starts in mid-November and goes through mid-April. Games are played Weds., through Sundays. Practices are Weds., and Thursday, with tournaments being played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The game to catch is always the 2 pm game on Sunday. This is the Featured match, complete with announcer, play areas for the kids, champagne half-time divot stomp and sometimes balloon rides! It’s quite a show, and the best thing is that games are often free or perhaps a minimum fee of $5/car for entry.
The Eldorado Polo Club
Eldorado is our older club; 2012 is it’s 55th year of play! The club is open to all, and Sunday tail-gaters are welcome.
Location: 50950 Madison St., Indio
General Information: 760-342-2223
Game Schedule: 760-342-4133
The Empire Polo Club
The Empire Polo Club is adjacent to the Eldorado Polo Club and is owned by the Haagen Family. Started in 1987, new Fields are being added on an annual basis. There are now 9 fields, and a Polo Arena with lights, for night polo games! All games are free and the schedule is the same for both clubs.
The Empire Polo club also hosts many different events. From weddings, to corporate events to sweet 16 celebrations, the club with it’s four different event sites is unique and beautiful. Perhaps the most famous event of the Empire Polo Club is the Coachella Music and Art Festival held for two weekends in April.
Location: Main entrance is on Monroe St. and 51st ave.
General Information: 760-342-2762
Game Schedule: 760-342-9111
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