Morongo Celebrates Employees with Appreciation Carnival and Extravaganza

Hundreds of Morongo administration and enterprise employees and their families recently came together at the Morongo Community Center for an Employee Appreciation Carnival and Extravaganza, sponsored by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Inside the community center, attendees danced to tunes from a DJ, feasted on delicious food, and enjoyed mind-bending tricks by a masterful magician. Children and their parents posed for caricaturists and had their faces painted, transforming into everything from tigers to fairies.

“I love being able to bring the kids,” said Mitch Marquez, a tribal descendant who has worked for Morongo for nine years.

The all-day event was truly a family affair, complete with a churro cart, trampoline, and trolley rides. Festivities outside the community center included exciting carnival games and rides, an outdoor rock-climbing wall, and a petting zoo with pigs, rabbits, chickens, and a donkey.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we want to celebrate their ongoing professionalism and dedication to helping our tribe thrive,” said Tribal Chairman Robert Martin. “Our Employee Appreciation Carnival and Extravaganza was one small token of our appreciation to our employees and their families.”

Michelle Harris, who works in community outreach, said she felt Morongo was “honoring and respecting their employees” with the event.