Celebrate MaranA!
Enjoy the PARADE 10-11:30AM
FESTIVITIES FROM parade’s end to 3PM include:
CAR SHOW presented by Obsessions Car Club
LIVE CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES
CREATION STATION presented by Lucky Cat Social Art
20+ FOOD TRUCKS
30+ ARTISAN VENDORS & EXHIBITORS
CHALK ART ALLEY
INFLATABLES & LAWN GAMES
FREE PHOTO BOOTH
This event is a recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Program Award for the Best Cultural Awareness program from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. Watch the video HERE.
MEDIA KIT
Event Flyer | Event Poster | Press Release
POST-EVENT
PARADE WINNERS ANNOUNCED & PHOTOS: CLICK HERE
FOUNDERS’ DAY PARADE & FESTIVITIES WILL RETURN ON SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024
ABOUT FOUNDERS’ DAY
Founders’ Day: Parade and Festivities is Marana’s birthday! Forty-six years ago, a group of Southern Arizona farmers changed history. Marana was incorporated on March 21, 1977 and has exponentially grown to become the second-largest populated town in southern Arizona. Today, Marana is now home to over 56,000 people and is still growing!
Now, on the third Saturday in March, friends, neighbors, and visitors come together in Downtown Marana to honor the community’s heritage with a parade and festivities. Community groups, organizations, and volunteers are featured prominently at this historic event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and come early to find a great spot along the parade route on Marana Main Street. Get to know your neighbors and the history of your community!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
The Marana Municipal Complex is located at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ, 85653. GET DIRECTIONS HERE. If you are coming via I-10, please use the MARANA ROAD EXIT (Exit 236) when coming to this event. The Tangerine Road exit will have directions posted for another event in the area.
You can park at the MHC Healthcare parking lot or any open dirt lot in the areas along Marana Main Street.
EVENT MAP
PARADE ACTIVITIES
Did you know the Town of Marana has had a parade to kick off Founders' Day for 44 years? It was founded by the Matriarch of Marana, Ora Mae Harn herself, and has grown to include over 50 entries!
PARADE (10AM)
The parade theme this year is “Western Heritage”!
Make sure you line up early on Marana Main Street and surrounding vicinity to get a great spot to see the fantastic parade entries! Best spots will be along Marana Main Street and along W. Civic Center Drive.
Want to be in the parade? Sign Up HERE
FIND YOUR SPOT (8AM-9:45AM)
Guests are encouraged to find their spots early along the parade route on Marana Main Street and event on W. Civic Center Drive. Don’t forget to bring your own seating! Note: Marana PD closes the main intersections into the MMC Campus at 9:45AM along the parade route. Please be parked before 9:45AM.
CHECK OUT THE PARADE ROUTE HERE
COPPER CAFE OPEN FOR BREAKFAST
New in 2023: MHC Healthcare’s Copper Cafe will be OPEN for the first time before the parade from 8AM-10AM for guests coming to line up on Marana Main Street. MHC Healthcare’s Copper Cafe is located on the first floor of Marana Main Health Center facing Marana Main Street.
Breakfast Menu will include: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit; Ham, Egg & Cheese Burrito, Assorted Muffins, Coffee, and Canned/Bottled Beverages. #SupportLocal and MHC Healthcare on Founders’ Day!
2023 PARADE JUDGES
This year, we are excited to have the parade’s Judging Panel consist of Terry Rozema, Marana’s Town Manager; Amanda Wiggins, President/CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Goligoski, Assistant Superintendent of Marana Unified School District. The Judging Station is located on the east side of the intersection of Marana Main Street/Bill Gaudette.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Community Car Show
PRESENTED BY OBSESSIONS CAR CLUB
Obsessions Car Club started as a way for friends to get together in a casual car-loving environment without the exclusivity and requirements of other car clubs. They have grown significantly since that time, but still live by those values. Meeting new people and connecting with old friends is what they love most about their events. LEARN MORE.
Historic Marana Exhibits
Marana Heritage Conservancy will have the Marana History RV on site and don’t forget to stop by the Marana Community Center’s Crafting for a Cause booth to enjoy a Historic Marana Craft Wall and other exhibits throughout the event courtyard.
Wreaths Across America
MOBILE EDUCATION EXHIBIT
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach lasts all year long, far beyond the single day in December when we coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies. All throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works in a number of ways to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget—we will never forget. The Mobile Education Exhibit only visits Southern AZ once every five years so we are thrilled to have it at Marana’s Founders’ Day! Find out more HERE.
Jesse Colt Band (11:30AM-2:30PM)
Country with a Twist! The Jesse Colt Band is Tucson's newest, upcoming country band. Bringing all the lights and sounds of stadium style concerts directly to you. The Jesse Colt Band brings you all the sounds of your favorite country hits. From Marty Robbins to George Strait with a little Sonoran and Rock thrown in!
Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona (12PM)
Performing in the Marana Police Department Plaza! CDFA is composed of six different levels (ranging from the age of four years old to college-age students) and close to 150 dancers performing traditional Mexican folklore dances. Learn more about the CDFA HERE.
Traditional Chinese Lion Dance (1PM)
Performing in the Marana Police Department Plaza! To honor the substantial Chinese community that developed in the Marana area in the 1880s, the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center returns to perform a traditional Lion Dance at the event and encouraged guests to touch the colorful lion costumes for “good luck.” Learn more about the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center HERE.
Dog Adoptions
Marana’s Community Services department & Rescue Me Marana present dog adoptions at Founders’ Day. (Note: Dog pictured here is from a past event and for promo use only). Find out more about current adoptable pets from Rescue Me Marana HERE.
Food Trucks
There are dining options for everyone! Enjoy food or drinks from: Al Gusto Coffee Company, Bars and Bubbly, Black Jack Citrus Infusions, Botannas Remix, Cody Coyote Kettlecorn, Churros El Rey, Empanadas Dominicano, Fat Noodle, Fiesta Filipina Asian Express, Jackie’s Food Court, Jozarelli’s, Marana Heritage Conservancy, Mona’s Fry Bread, Mrs. Emily’s Sweet Treats, Purple Devil Donuts, Romero’s Sonoran Hot Dogs, Smokin’ Monster BBQ, Sonoran Mexican Cuisine Food Truck,, Sweet Rolls and More, Taco Rico, Takoyaki Balls, Tucson Kona Ice and West Coast Trolley.
Artisan Market & Exhibitors
Support over 30 local small businesses and buy art, crafts, goods and wares from our Artisan Market vendors and Exhibitors.
Chalk Art Alley
Kids of all ages can enjoy the opportunity to create their own masterpiece in a designated square. Chalk will be provided on site. By the end of the event, its fun to stroll through the patchwork walkway of art!
Inflatables & Games
The Family Fun Zone features inflatables like bouncing castles, obstacle courses, sports games and attractions for all ages!
Creation Station
PRESENTED BY LUCKY CAT SOCIAL ART
Free Interactive Learning & Arts Activities! Kids can create a craft on site at the event to take home. Learn more about Lucky Cat Social Art HERE.
2022 PHOTO GALLERY
