Desert Circus Queen of 1967

Inger waves in the parade

Palm Springs, California began holding its annual Desert Circus event, including a parade and children's activities, in 1934 and the festival was a beloved tradition until 1986. As the years went by, the length and scope of the event expanded and celebrities were invited to participate. Proceeds of the event went to charities. If named Desert Circus Queen, a female celebrity's responsibilities included dressing in western costume to wave to residents in the parade, attending special parties and mingling with Palm Springs residents. And that's just what Inger Stevens did in April 1967, following in the footsteps of Debbie Reynolds, Janet Leigh, and Natalie Wood.

A 1967 ad for the Desert Circus

By 1967, the Desert Circus was a whopping 10-day event. On Friday, April 21st, a fiesta was held at the Palm Springs Shopping Center and after, citizens were encouraged to have a Night on the Town supporting local businesses and restaurants. Saturday, April 22nd included an International Balloon Race in the morning with awards ceremony that evening at Spa Hotel. On Sunday, April 23rd, residents enjoyed a Western Round-up Brunch and International Polo Match (the latter sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower).  Monday through Wednesday held the Mayor's Cocktail Party and private parties. Thursday was the popular Kangaroo Court, in which a popular townsperson was jailed in a fun spectacle. It does not appear that Inger was present for the first seven days of the event. 

Friday, April 28th through Sunday, April 30th were the days of the most high profile activities. On Friday, April 28th at noon, Inger attended the Hat Parade and Luncheon at El Mirador Hotel and was reported to have announced "This is the most unusual luncheon I've ever been to." Inger's statement was made for good reason—here are just a few examples of what she saw at that luncheon!

That evening Palm Springs held a premiere and party for the cast of A Guide for the Married Man. Present at the Plaza Theatre premiere and Canyon Hotel party were the film's director Gene Kelly and cast Robert Morse, Sue Ane Langdon, and Inger. Other celebrities who came for a night of comedy and charity were Lily Pons, George Montgomery, George Jessel, Michael Landon, Joanna Barnes, Lee Major, Don Murray, Troy Donahue, Rory Calhoun—all hosted by a Palm Springs resident or couple. Inger's hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Canning. (Click here to see Mr. Canning in a Desert Circus photo circa 1970.) 

Inger with Elaine Chaddick

Pre-premiere, a photo was taken of Inger with Elaine Chaddick at a cocktail party at the Tennis Club.  Twelve years later, on May 8, 1979, Elaine would face an incredible test of strength when she was kidnapped from her Palm Spring home. The wife of multimillionaire Harry Chaddick, Elaine was held in exchange for a $1 million ransom. After three days in the desert, the ransom exchange took place and Elaine emerged unscathed.

On Saturday, April 29th, following a golf tournament, Inger and Air Force General Curtis E. LeMay led the Desert Circus Parade down Palm Canyon Drive. Several days later in a society column, Gina Moran wrote that a misunderstanding took place that Inger was "not overly joyed about." It seems someone allowed two residents to cruise around in Inger's personal yellow Lincoln sedan in the parade without her knowledge. In fact, this is not the first time I've read about Inger not wanting others to handle her car. On a night out with George Maharis in the early 60s, George asked for the keys to drive and Inger protested, "I never let anyone drive my car." (George eventually won the argument and Inger slid over to the passenger seat.) That evening at 7:00 p.m.  Inger and Gene Kelly were named Queen and King of the Big Top Ball and danced in western wear. Comedian George Jessel served as court jester. 

Sunday, April 30th brought more low key activities like a pet parade and brunch, and Inger most likely headed home in her own car that morning. This was a busy time full of personal appearances that made headlines. Inger would participate in a movie premiere cruise of A Guide for the Married Man (read about that here) and she also made headlines in a minidress at the Academy Awards two weeks before the big Desert Circus event (click here for that story.)

This photo of Inger was floating around the internet with no identifying information, but it certainly appears to be a Desert Circus photo. Thanks to Doug for telling me that it looks to be in Palm Springs months before I knew she participated in the Palm Springs event. 

Sources:

"Big Top Ball is Saturday Night." Desert Sun. April 27, 1967.

"Elaine Chaddick." Chicago Tribune. June 8, 2002.

"Former Air Force Chief to Lead Circus Parade." Desert Sun. April 21, 1967.

"George Maharis." Photoplay. January 1962.

"Hats On for Desert Circus." Desert Sun. May 1, 1967.

"Inger Tapped as Circus Queen." Desert Sun. April 4, 1967.

"It's Circus Time!" Desert Sun. April 20, 1967.

"It's What Happened!" Desert Sun. May 4, 1967.

"Movie Premiere a Huge Success." Desert Sun. May 1, 1967.

"Picture Premiere. The Red Carpet is Out." Desert Sun. April 28, 1967. ./

"Stars Turn Out for Desert Circus Premiere." Desert Sun. May 5, 1967.