2024 PARADE THEME: GROWING TOGETHER
2024 Registration is closed AS OF 03/12/24.
CELEBRATE MARANA!
ENJOY THE PARADE 10:00-11:30AM
FESTIVITIES FROM THE PARADE’S END TO 3PM INCLUDE:
CAR SHOW presented by Obsessions Car Club
LIVE CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES
18 FOOD TRUCKS
25+ ARTISAN VENDORS & EXHIBITORS
CREATION STATION presented by Lucky Cat Social Art
Glitter Tattoo and Balloon Animal Stations
CHALK ART ALLEY
INFLATABLES & LAWN GAMES
FREE PHOTO BOOTH
ABOUT MARANA’s FOUNDERS’ DAY
Founders’ Day: Parade and Festivities is Marana’s birthday! Forty-seven 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 now home to over 60,000 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 the “Biggest Little Parade in Arizona” and festivities afterward.
MARANA DOG LIFE
This event is dog-friendly. Click HERE for more info.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
SIGNATURE SPONSOR:
TING broke ground in November 2023 and plans to have an Opening Ceremony this Spring 2024. Throughout the Town of Marana, there will be 2g internet (2000 Mbps download and upload speeds) and unlimited data for $89 per month. Pre-orders for Marana residents can be done at www.Ting.com/marana.
GOLD SPONSOR
Sponsoring the Car Show presented by Obsessions Car Club and the Jumping Castles
SILVER SPONSOR
Sponsoring our Kids Make & Take Craft Station and Musical Instrument Petting Zoo presented by Civic Orchestra of Tucson
BRONZE SPONSOR
Sponsoring the dance performances in the MPD PLAZA
PARADE ACTIVITIES
Did you know the Town of Marana has had a parade to kick off Founders' Day for 45 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!
PARADE (10AM)
The parade theme this year is “GROWING TOGETHER”.
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 (8-9:45AM)
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.
COPPER CAFE OPEN FOR BREAKFAST
MHC Healthcare’s Copper Cafe will be OPEN again before the parade from 8-10AM 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, Bacon and Egg Bagel Sandwich, Assorted Muffins, Coffee, and Canned/Bottled Beverages. #SupportLocal and MHC Healthcare on Founders’ Day!
2024 PARADE JUDGES
2024 Judging Panel includes: Chief Pridgett of Marana Police Department, Erik Montague, Deputy Town of Marana Manager; and Denelle Veselik, KGUN9 Anchor/Multimedia Journalist. The Judging Station is located on the east side of the intersection of Marana Main Street/Bill Gaudette.
Photo shows our 2023 panel 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.
2024 GRAND MARSHALS: Marana Little League Junior Softball All-Star Team
The Juniors Softball All-Star team from Marana Little League won the West Regional in July of last year becoming the first team (softball or baseball) from the Town of Marana to advance to a Little League World Series. The Juniors Softball World Series was held in Kirkland, Washington, near Seattle. This special group had the opportunity to play teams from around the world (Philippines, Czech Republic, Mexico, and Canada) and the United States (Connecticut (EAST) and Texas (SOUTHWEST)). It was an honor for the girls to represent the Western United States and especially our very own hometown of Marana, AZ!!
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.
ROH Band (11:30AM - 3:00PM)
ROH Band is Tucson’s go to variety dance band! They have been jamming out together since 2005 playing classic rock, Pop, originals, and much much more! With their diverse styles and musical influences, ROH Band doesn’t let the crowd leave without a reason to dance! Learn more HERE!
The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance (11:30 AM)
The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance is located in Tucson and teaches dancers the art of traditional Irish dance. The school is owned and instructed by Darren Maguire, who was the lead dancer in Riverdance for 14 years. We offer classes from the ages of 2.5 up to adults. We compete locally, regionally, nationally and at the world championships every year! You can find us online at maguireacademy.com.
Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona (12:30PM)
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 (1:30PM)
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 & Humane Society of Southern Arizona 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.
16 Food Vendors
Al Gusto Coffee Co, Black Jack Citrus Infusions, Cowpig, Dirty Dough, El Taco Asere Hot Dogs y Más, Fiesta Filipina, Friesy, Greater Faith Community Church, Jackie's Food Court, Kona Ice Marana, Marana Heritage Conservancy, Miss Emily's Sweet Treats, Mona's Food Court, Taco Rico, Yumyum Pocha, Wrapido
Artisan Market & Exhibitors
Support around 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.
