Business is down in Quartzsite this year with many snowbirds either not returning or coming for shorter periods. Normally business would be starting to really hop about now. While unemployment is generally down in the U.S., those who work in the Texas oil fields or related industries have been hard hit and that would include gate guards like myself. The biggest hit though may be coming from Canada where the Canadian dollar value has fallen compared to the U.S. dollar thus making a trip south for the winter much more expensive. Many Canadians have decided to brave out the winter at home this year instead of coming down as usual. This is not good news for Quartzsite vendors who have been struggling themselves in recent years with higher booth and permit fees. For those of you who are going to Quartzsite this year, please be sure to give the vendors an extra special smile and be kind to them. Your patronage will be much appreciated.
Don’t forget there will still be lots of shopping and fun activities to do while you are there and, of course, fresh ice cream with apparently shorter lines!