Float through time and learn about the community's history at the annual Marana Founders' Day. This year Founders’ Day will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 in Downtown Marana.
EVENT SCHEDULE (subject to change)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Parade (food vendors will open at 10:30am)
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Founders' Day Festival
11:30 - 11:45 AM Chinese Cultural Center presentation
11:45 - 12:00 PM TBA
12:10 - 12:40 PM TBA
12:50 - 1:20 PM Ballet Folkloric Dancers
1:30 - 2:00 PM Saguaro Stompers
The parade is what makes Founders’ Day unique. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with a theme of “Float Through Time.” As in year’s past, the parade is a great way for all different aspects of Marana’s diverse community to be on display. This annual spectacle attracts lots of Marana residents to line the sidewalks and watch all the great vehicles, floats, and people glide by.
The parade has had a number of great features. There have been monster trucks, farm machinery, and even a marriage proposal. Floats with local school children and the great high school marching bands are a great way to celebrate Marana’s youth. You can count on local first responders to be part of the parade, and Marana’s great history is represented with antique tractors and plenty of skilled horseback riders.
The event emcee is Terri Murphy. No stranger to community, charity and events, Murphy has always had a passion for bringing people together and for assisting those in time of need. She has had the pleasure of working with several great people in our community to create and develop events such as the Marana Junior Rodeo Association and Marana’s Exceptional Rodeo for handicap children. She has served as Vice President for the Arizona Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, President for Cowboys Cowgirls Barrel Racing Association, has held numerous local fundraising events and sponsored several local charity events. Teri’s main passion is preserving the western lifestyle and is able to do so by volunteering her time to the Western Heritage Committee and arena. She has served as Chairperson for the Marana Main Street Festival and is avid with education and does fundraisers for both the University of Arizona and CAC College.
Like all of Marana’s Signature Events, there will be plenty of fun activities for young families. Inflatables are always a popular attraction, but there will be other fun things to do including artists doing temporary henna tattoos and fantastic balloon creations.
Founders’ Day is all about learning about the past. Visitors can explore booths and exhibits that display Marana's history. These exhibits are brought to you in partnership with Marana Heritage Conservancy and local historical organizations.
There will be more than 30 non-foot vendors on hand as well as plenty of food options. More than 10 food vendors will be on hand serving everything from ice cream to German food to Hawaiian favorites, and more.
Previous Founders' Day Blogs:
A Kid's Eye View
Favorite Parade Moments
