Founders' Day

2025 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 

REGISTER FOR PARADE HERE

EVENT FEATURES

 ABOUT MARANA’s FOUNDERS’ DAY

Founders’ Day: Parade and Festivities is Marana’s birthday! Forty-eight 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.

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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

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

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

DIRECTIONS TO EVENT ENTRANCE: GET DIRECTIONS HERE

EVENT PARKING: Follow the traffic signs in the area that lead to Sandario & Barnett. You will enter the event at W. Civic Center Drive off Barnett. Please park in the MHC (Marana Healthcare Center) parking lot. Additional parking can be found at Ora Mae Harn Park.

EVENT MAP

FOUNDERS' DAY PARADE

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!

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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.

PARADE (10AM)

The parade theme this year is TBA

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 SOON!

TIPS & AMENITIES FOR GUESTS

TIPS FOR THE DAY

• 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 in the morning as it will be chilly.

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

• Bring a small bag for candy!

• Stay behind the cones for your own safety.

• #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. There will be animals in the parade.

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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!

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

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.
Marana Food Bank It’s the season of giving! Attendees are encouraged to bring (1) can of food or (1) non-perishable food item 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.
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.
Food Vendors: TBA Artisan Market & Exhibitors: TBA
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!
Community Performances
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.

PHOTOS & RELATED MEDIA

Founders' Day 2024

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

 Coming soon!