Rolling into Wrightwood Community Center Plaza Saturday, May 6, 2023, a shiny armada of custom off-road vehicles was proudly displayed for the Tri-Community to enjoy on this “Spring Fling” day. Complete with live entertainment, Bar-B-Que, and cold beverages on tap from the Wrightwood Brewery Company and the Village Grind, the afternoon was primed for fun, with some business thrown in. The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce is off to a good start this season, promoting new enterprises, services, and fresh, new entertainment to Wrightwood and the High Desert.
A colorful array of Rock Crawlers, Trophy Trucks, and Custom Jeeps were displayed neatly in the Wrightwood Community Center Plaza. Andy Minnala, owner of “Evolution Off-Road” in Pinon Hills, was swamped with curious enquirers discussing Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) customizing details and suspension alternatives for their off-road project. Most of these highly customized weekend warrior transports were owned by friends or family of Andy, whose company “Evolution Off-Road” lives for this and is ready to help with any UTV project. Mark Quintero, National Brand Manager of “System Off-Road” and Wrightwood resident, was on hand with a large display of off-road tires and accessories for rock-crawling, trail exploring, and UTV performance enthusiasts.
Local Dustin Grijalva started the musical program, gaining favor with the audience by playing Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” His unplugged acoustic-style act went well with his set of influential original music. His dramatic “Thanks to You” and the tongue-in-cheek “Have Some Dignity” filled the plaza with a refreshing non-electric sound. Dustin Happily mentioned, “I love playing out here, seeing my friends and family in Wrightwood!” A hard act to follow, Dustin Grijalva turned the impromptu flatbed trailer stage over to the rock and bluesish tones of “Delta Shade,” who filled the forest with a warm, comforting style of rock music.
Bouncing from one Chamber of Commerce event to another, Event Coordinator Kashawna Berg was enjoying her day promoting the Off-Road Spectacular. “This Off-Road Spring-Fling will start this year’s event series in Wrightwood,” Kashawna stated. The Cedar Street Festival, a ribbon cutting for the re-opening of the Hollis M. Stewart Children’s Park, and the opening of “Star Equality Theatricals,” a new acting school catering to individuals with limited abilities, were also taking place today. This Theatre Arts class is open to all and is now accepting applications for instruction leading towards a role in the stage production of “How to Eat Like a Child And Lessons of How Not to Be a Grown-up.” Jennifer Sundell, Artistic Director of Star Equality Theatricals, “Where limited abilities have no limits!”
With the aroma of pine trees and Bar-B-Que floating in the mountain breeze, the Off-Road Spring Fling pressed all the buttons to warrant a repeat performance next year while being an inspiration for the rest of this season’s events, such as Mountaineer Days, The Wrightwood Classic Car Show, The Willy’s / Jeep and Chili Cook-Off, and so many more. For more information on these merchants, or other events, the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (760)249-4320 or https://www.wrightwoodchamber.org.
