Founders' Day Parade & Festivities

Event map coming soon!

PARADE ACTIVITIES

Did you know the Town of Marana has had a parade to kick off Founders' Day for 47 years? It was dually founded by the Matriarch of Marana, Ora Mae Harn herself, and an active citizen, Mrs. Kern; and has grown to include over 60 entries! Mrs. Kern’s grandson, Michael, is still our Parade Coordinator! Community groups, organizations, and volunteers are featured prominently at this historic event. Guests are encouraged to bring their 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!

REGISTER FOR THE 2026 "COUNTRY JAMBOREE" PARADE HERE

2026 GRAND MARSHAL:

-Marana Thunder Football & Cheer

"Marana Thunder Football & Cheer is a community-driven youth organization proudly serving Marana for over a decade. Built on discipline, teamwork, and character, Thunder develops athletes and cheerleaders both on and off the field while competing at the highest levels. With multiple city and regional championships in both football and cheer, including the 2025 American Youth Football National Championship in the 12U (12 and under) division held in Naples, Florida, Marana Thunder represents our community with pride, toughness, and heart. This is more than a program — this is Thunder."

2026 PARADE USHER:

-Marana Parks & Recreation Flag Football League

2026 PARADE JUDGES:

-Wayne Barnett, CPRE; Marana Parks & Recreation Director

-Joshua Carzoli, PharmD, MBA, BCACP; MHC HealthCare CEO

-Sally Edwards, CTA; Marana Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center Coordinator

-Buzz Jackson; Tucson Cumulus Radio Station Group Program Director (KiiM FM 99.5 and 97-5 The Vibe)

PAST PARADES

• 2025, "Best Day Ever!": Jason Angell (Marana Development Services), Dan Marries (KOLD News 13), Carlos Valles (Marana Food Bank)
• 2024, "Growing Together": Erik Montague (Town of Marana), Chief Pridgett (Marana Police Department), Danelle Veselik (KGUN 9)
• 2023, "Western Heritage": Terry Rozema (Town of Marana), Amanda Wiggins (Marana Chamber of Commerce), Mark Goligoski (Marana Unified School District)
• 2022, "My Favorite Things (About Marana)": Fire Chief Bradley (Northwest Fire District), Jim Conroy (Marana Parks & Recreation), Chief Nuñez (Marana Police Department)

FIND YOUR SPOT (8-9:45AM)

Guests are encouraged to find their spots early along the parade route on Marana Main Street and by the event along W Civic Center Drive. Don’t forget to bring your own seating! Note: Marana PD closes the main intersections into the MMC area along the parade route at 9:45AM. No vehicle access will be allowed after that until after the parade.

PARADE (10AM)

The parade theme this year is Country Jamboree! Some entries may give out candy or other small goodies, so attendees are recommended to bring a bag. Guests must remain behind the safety line during the parade.

LOCATION: Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ 85653

DIRECTIONS TO EVENT ENTRANCE: GET DIRECTIONS HERE

EVENT MAIN PARKING LOT ENTRANCE: Follow the traffic signs in the area that lead to Sandario and Barnett. You will enter the event at W Civic Center Drive off Barnett. The Marana Healthcare Center parking lot will serve as the main event parking; additional parking can be found at the Ora Mae Harn District Park and Senior Center.

EXPECT DELAYS: Traffic around the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex may be congested and/or slow. We appreciate your patience and kindness so that everyone can enjoy this event!

Parking map coming soon!

• Check the WEATHER before you come.

• Plan on wearing very sturdy and comfortable shoes as guests may encounter uneven surfaces. A hat and sunscreen are recommended for the daytime and a jacket is recommended for the morning as it may be chilly.

• For safety, all guests must remain behind the cones during the parade.

• Families: This is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages.

• #MaranaDogLife: Dogs are welcome if they are leashed and picked up after. We recommend any dogs that attend Marana events are comfortable in large crowds.

Support the Marana Food Bank!

Celebrate your community by giving back! Attendees are encouraged to bring one (1) can of food, one (1) non-perishable food item, and/or pet food to donate to the Marana Food Bank. You will find donation stations at each event entrance and at the Marana Food Bank’s booth. Learn more.

Community performances!

Stop by the Marana Police Department Plaza to watch phenomenal dance performances from local organizations, or visit the main stage to jam out with a local band!

View the full 2026 performance schedule here!(PDF, 5MB)

Vendors and food trucks!

Support local and small businesses by shopping with a variety of artisan crafters and food vendors! You can also talk to exhibitors, non-profits, and Town of Marana departments and organizations! Vendor listing coming soon.

Historic Marana exhibits!

Marana Heritage Conservancy will have the Marana History RV onsite, and other exhibits will be presented throughout the event courtyard.

Free kids attractions!

There's plenty of fun activities for kids of all ages to enjoy for free, including inflatables, games, Creation Station presented by Lucky Cat Social Art, community mural, photo booth presented by Desert Photo Booth, and more!

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, it's fun to stroll through the patchwork walkway of art!

Dog adoptions!

More info coming soon! (Note: Dog pictured here is from a past event and for promo use only.)

• Marana’s Founders’ Day Parade: ‘A Best Day Ever’ Celebration! - Town of Marana, AZ

 ABOUT MARANA’S FOUNDERS’ DAY PARADE & FESTIVITIES

Founders’ Day Parade and Festivities is Marana’s birthday! Forty-nine years ago, a group of Southern Arizona farmers changed history. Marana was officially incorporated on March 21, 1977, and has exponentially grown to become the second-largest populated town in southern Arizona. Today, Marana is home to over 60,000 people and 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 the “Biggest Little Parade in Arizona” and festivities afterward.

FESTIVITIES FROM THE PARADE’S END TO 3PM INCLUDE:

• Live cultural performances
• Historical experiences
• 18 food trucks
• 25+ artisan vendors and exhibitors
• Creation Station presented by Lucky Cat Social Art
• Food donation stations for the Marana Food Bank
• Balloon animal stations
• Chalk art alley
• Inflatables and lawn games
• Free photo booth presented by Desert Photo Booth