Bill Walker started the idea of having a Parade Grand Marshal at the Western Area Rally in Indio.

In 2001 there was a Mardi Gras theme and because of a slight mix-up there were 2 couples honored for King & Queen of the Mardi Gras in addition to the Parade Grand Marshal.  Those two couples were:  Suzi & Doc Kohler and Mac & Dorothy Price.

• 2023 - Sonny Gillespie
  
• 2020 - Lou Huff
  
• 2019 - Virgil & Sharon George
• 2018 – John & Sandy King
• 2017 – Floyd & Phylis Alger
• 2016 – David Brooks & Pat Webb
• 2015 – Bobby & Shirley Donald
• 2014 – Jim & Ginny Holifield
• 2013 – Dick & Shirley McHaley
• 2012 – Bruce & Jan Watson
• 2011 – Bud & Alice Bernard
• 2010 – Owen & Vivian Autry
• 2009 – Tony & Betty Vincent
• 2008 – Walt & Lucy Mazzone
• 2007 – Joe & Barbara Muse
• 2006 – Shelley & Shelly Herman
• 2005 – Ray & Marion  Maskar
• 2004 – Skootch & Laura Schoonover
• 2003 – George & Anne Rogers
• 2002 – Jim & Joan Farley
• 2001 – Cleo Hamilton
• 2000 – Pat Nelson – Western Byways Editor