Minutes before this year's Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade was about to start Sunday, event organizers took a quick moment to take a breath.

“Of course the chamber of commerce determined the weather for today's event,” joked a smiling Jim Walker, president of the chamber's board of directors. “We wanted things to be this nice out here.”

His cheerful tone was shared by many of the thousands who lined the streets to watch 71 floats, bands and organizations that participated in the 45th annual parade.

This year's official parade theme may have been “Playground of the Stars,” but officials say that fun and smiles are always an ongoing theme.

Spectators were treated to more than a traditional procession, including the sound of a steel drum that emanated from the beer garden. In the children's area, youngsters scrambled up tall rock climbing walls. Vendors along El Paseo set up tents and sold goodies, including fudge, caramel apples, kettle corn and hot dogs.

And in the midst of the activity, local organizations, businesses and special guests showed off their float creations and even dance moves as they made their way down El Paseo.

“This is all about having fun,” Walker said. “All of those who entered are enjoying themselves. Some of them get very serious about the decoration of their float, but it is all in good fun.”

Officials with St. Margaret's Episcopal Church and School said they were committed and proud of their float, which was named this year's winner of the Sweepstakes trophy.

“Our theme, following the parade theme, is ‘Playground of the Stars of Tomorrow,'” said Melissa Platt, parent of a St. Margaret's student and a parishioner. “This is the second year we've won Sweepstakes.”

The private school's float featured a replica of a space shuttle that had room for a rider. Volunteers with the school also built a classroom that was towed by the cart.

“The children had a (decorating) party,” she said. “They enjoyed this. And it was educational.”

The float got a big reaction from the crowd, which started to form hours before the parade's 1 p.m. start.

“We like to people-watch,” said Betty Trower, a member of the Desert Stars Red Hatters. She confided that her nickname is Bodacious Betty. She and good friend Queen Mom Alice, aka. Alice Phillips, staked out their spots on El Paseo near Ocotillo Drive, the end of the parade route.

“It's just a perfect day,” Phillips said. “We just appreciate being able to come out and enjoy an event like this.”