Founders' Day

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See you on Saturday, March 15th, 2025: 10:00AM - 3:00PM

ENJOY THE PARADE 10:00-11:30AM

Location: Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex @ 11555 W. Civic Center Dr. Marana, AZ 85653

Event Map


2025 PARADE THEME: BEST DAY EVER! 

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.


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
  • 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 48 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 PARADE HERE


2025 GRAND MARSHALL:

- Pam Bramlett (The Late Mayor Ed Honea's Sister)

2025 PARADE JUDGES:

- Jason Angell (Development Services Director)

- Carlos Valles (Executive Director of Marana Food Bank)

- Dr. Dan Streeter (Superintendent of Marana Unified School District)


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 "BEST DAY EVER!" (weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of all types)

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. 

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 for the parade!

  • Stay behind the cones for your own safety during the parade.

  • #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.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
 
Marana Food Bank

There is always a need for food! 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.

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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.

 

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.

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Food Vendors: TBA
Artisan Market & Exhibitors: TBA
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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

Stop by the Marana Police Department Plaza and watch phenomenal performances from local organizations! 

Acts Include:

- Kids Unlimited

- Tucson Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance

Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona

- Maguire Academy of Irish Dance

 

 

Inflatables & Games

The Family Fun Zone features inflatables like bouncing castles, obstacle courses, sports games and attractions for all ages!

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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 & MEDIA
Founders' Day 2024

 

                   

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

 Coming soon!