2025 Registration Opening Soon!
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
EVENT MAP
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.
MARANA DOG LIFE
This event is dog friendly. Click HERE for more info.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Coming soon!
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 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!
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!
2025 PARADE JUDGES: TBA
2025 GRAND MARSHALS: TBA
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.
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, 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.