By Angela Cook, ODF Event Chair

Are you looking for something fun to do in your rig while raising money for a good cause at the same time? Then look no further! Operation Desert Fun is the place for you. On October 19-20th, we will hold the 16th annual ODF in Ocotillo Wells.

Due to an (ongoing) issue with the Flat Tail Horned lizard (see our natural resource consultants for information), last year we held the event at the Blu In RV Park. It worked out well, so we are going to hold it there again this year. They offer full hook-up RV spots at a discount rate, and they have also offered a spot on their property for those who want to dry camp for free. They have a pool available to those who rent an RV spot too! After a day of wheelin’, a pool feels pretty nice. They also let us use their air-conditioned rec room for registration, so the committee is a little less cranky than when we have to spend the whole weekend out under the sun.

As for the 4x4 runs, the park is still not issuing event permits (as of this writing), but the desert is still open to the public. We are working on a run on private property, and will post information on the website when it becomes available.

We’re looking at having some games on Saturday afternoon, so if you or your club would like to volunteer to help in any way, let us know. If you have any ideas about how to make the event even more fun, feel free to let us know that too! The purpose of this event is to raise money for the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal-Diego Chapter, but it is also to have fun 4-wheelin'. Even though we can’t have official runs into the Ocotillo Wells SVRA, it doesn’t mean we can’t have fun!

The only way we can keep events going is to have increased participation. By keeping a large presence on our public lands, we let our enemies know that we are not going away. We also let the state officials and other agencies know that we need them to do their jobs and keep the land open for everyone to enjoy for years to come.

Last year we tried doing a Saturday night dinner for the first time. The Blu In did a BBQ, and it was delicious, so we will be doing it again this year. Make sure to pre-order your dinners on time.

The raffles (both kids and adults) for ODF are legendary! Donations are tax-deductible, as all proceeds go directly to the PVA. Please donate to this worthy organization and help make the raffles the best yet. All donations and cash are greatly appreciated.

Early registration is just $25, so even if you can’t make it to the event, please consider registering and ordering a shirt anyway. (I have it on good authority that the shirts are going to be really cool this year!) All money raised from registrations and shirt sales goes to Cal 4 Wheel to put on the event and to fight land closures. So your money goes to a good cause, whether you can attend or not. A big Thank You goes out to all of you who have participated, donated or helped out in the past. I hope to see you all out there this year!