Celebrate Marana's birthday!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


TOWN OF MARANA PRESENTS:

FOUNDERS' DAY PARADE & FESTIVITIES

SATURDAY, March 18, 2023

10 AM - 3 PM


MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

11555 W. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

MARANA, AZ


MEDIA KIT: Event Flyer | Event Poster

Photos are available to the media upon request. Email events@maranaaz.gov.

ABOUT FOUNDERS' DAY



Come celebrate Marana's Birthday!


Forty-six years ago, a group of Southern Arizona farmers changed history. Marana was 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 56,000 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 a parade and festivities. Community groups, organizations, and volunteers are featured prominently at this historic event. Guests are encouraged to bring their own 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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

EVENT FEATURES

PARADE | 10 AM

The parade theme this year is “Western Heritage”! Make sure you line up early on Marana Main Street and the surrounding vicinity to get a great spot to see the fantastic parade entries! The 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 | 8-9:45 AM

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. CHECK OUT THE PARADE ROUTE HERE


COPPER CAFE OPEN FOR BREAKFAST | 8-10 AM

New in 2023: MHC Healthcare’s Copper Cafe will be OPEN for the first time before the parade from 8AM-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. #SupportLocal and MHC Healthcare on Founders’ Day!


2023 PARADE JUDGES

This year, we are excited to have the parade’s Judging Panel consist 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. The Judging Station is located on the east side of the intersection of Marana Main Street/Bill Gaudette.


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.


JESSE COLT BAND | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Country with a Twist! The Jesse Colt Band is Tucson's newest, upcoming country band. Bringing all the lights and sounds of stadium style concerts directly to you. The Jesse Colt Band brings you all the sounds of your favorite country hits. From Marty Robbins to George Strait with a little Sonoran and Rock thrown in!


TRADITIONAL CHINESE LION DANCE | 1PM

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 & Rescue Me Marana 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 TRUCKS

There are dining options for everyone! Enjoy food or drinks from: Al Gusto Coffee Company, Bars and Bubbly, Black Jack Citrus Infusions, Botannas Remix, Cody Coyote Kettlecorn, Churros El Rey, Empanadas Dominicano, Fat Noodle, Fiesta Filipina Asian Express, Jackie’s Food Court, Jozarelli’s, Malta Joe’s Baked Goods, Marana Heritage Conservancy, Mona’s Fry Bread, Mrs. Emily’s Sweet Treats, Purple Devil Donuts, Romero’s Sonoran Hot Dogs, Smokin’ Monster BBQ, Sweet Rolls and More, Taco Rico, Takoyaki Balls, Tucson Kona Ice and West Coast Trolley. More Food Trucks are TBA.


CHALK ART ALLEY

Kids of all ages can enjoy the opportunity to create their own masterpieces 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!


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 and arts activities! Kids can create a craft on-site at the event to take home. Learn more about Lucky Cat Social Art HERE.


DIRECTIONS & PARKING

The Marana Municipal Complex is located at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, AZ, 85653. GET DIRECTIONS HERE.


If you are coming via I-10, please use the MARANA ROAD EXIT (Exit 236) when coming to this event. The Tangerine Road exit will have directions posted for another event in the area.


You can park at the MHC Healthcare parking lot or any open dirt lot in the areas along Marana Main Street.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL EVENT WEBPAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT THE TOWN OF MARANA

The Town of Marana is the fastest-growing community in southern Arizona and the 3rd-fastest growing community in the entire state.


Learn more:

Town of Marana Newsroom

Things to do in Marana, Arizona

11555 W. Civic Center Drive
Town of Marana
11555 W Civic Center Drive, MARANA, AZ, 85653
United States

For all inquiries, please contact us at: vhathaway@maranaaz.gov

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