View photos from the 2023 Star-Spangled Spectacular event held on July 4 at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.
Town of Marana Plans Fireworks-Only Fourth of July
Due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Marana has elected to organize a fireworks-only event on July 4, 2020. Fireworks will be launched from within Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, and residents are encouraged to enjoy the display from their home or throughout Arizona Pavilions. In the interest of fire-safety precautions, the park and parking lot will be closed.
OFFICIAL: Clear bag policy implemented for Marana 4th of July event
MARANA – New safety requirements have been implemented for the 2019 Town of Marana Star Spangled Spectacular held on July 4, 5-9:30 PM, at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. With some exceptions, event attendants are now required to adhere to the “clear bag” policy prior to entering the park.
Items permitted into the event:
(This is not an exhaustive list of permitted items)
Clear plastic bags, purses, or totes
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand
Diaper bags for infants/toddler needs
Strollers and wagons
Sealed, unopened non-alcoholic drinks
Coolers, empty canisters, and food (subject to search)
Blankets, lawn/camping chairs for seating.
Shade tents are permitted, but must be taken down if becomes a hazard. Staking is NOT permitted.
Items NOT permitted into the event:
Bags, purses, and totes that are not clear plastic (prohibited bags may not be placed inside a clear bag in order to gain entry)
Backpacks / Fanny packs
Mesh bags
Illegal drugs
Outside alcohol (alcohol will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds benefit the Marana Heritage Conservancy)
Pets are not permitted in the park with the exception of service animals.
Glass containers
Town of Marana staff is dedicated to providing a fun and safe environment for the community to celebrate Independence Day. This year, the entire park will be fenced off, and designated entrances will be monitored by security. If you see something, say something. Report activity to Town staff and police officers on-site.
Bag checks will be conducted at each of the entrances and at each of the three shuttle locations throughout Continental Ranch. Shuttles are free, and will run from 4-11 P.M.
Shuttle locations:
Between Safeway and Twin Peaks Elementary School located at the intersection of Twin Peaks Road and Silverbell Road. (Parking available at both sites)
Coyote Trail Elementary School located at 8000 N. Silverbell Road.
Continental Reserve Professional Plaza located at 8333 N. Silverbell Road.
View the event map (with shuttle routes)
It’s a party at the park on July 4 at the annual Star Spangled Spectacular! Enjoy music, dozens of food trucks, inflatables for the kids, a beer garden for the adults, and a spectacular firework show. Live performances from Backroads, Mr. Skynyrd, Taken By Drones, Steff and the Articles, and OnesAll.
The event is brought to you in partnership with Arizona Lotus Corp.
For more event information, visit www.MaranaEvents.com
Photo gallery of 2018 celebration
Manager's Message: Enjoy the summertime in Marana
Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta provided this Manager’s Message to the Marana News and Explorer News.
Free music is a feature of the Star Spangled Spectacular.
School is out, the temperature is rising and summer is upon us! At the Town of Marana, we look forward to the summer months because there is so much to do in our community.
Celebrate our nation’s birthday this Fourth of July at Marana’s Star Spangled Spectacular. This annual event at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park (7548 N. Silverbell Road) has become a regional draw, attracting thousands of people from around the community and beyond.
Because of the large crowds, we have been working hard to create a safe environment for everyone. This year, the entirety of the park will be fenced, and members of the public will enter through designated entrances. With the exception of diaper bags, a clear bag rule has been instated, and bag checks will be conducted upon entry.
We are excited about our line-up of entertainment. Our musical acts span a wide variety of genres, including country, pop, ’90s alternative, grunge and classic rock. To learn more about our musical attractions and much more, visit our website at MaranaEvents.com.
In addition to our signature events, we love providing smaller community experiences to our residents. We have three free movie showings throughout the summer, including “A Wrinkle in Time” this Saturday, June 15, and “A Dog’s Way Home” on July 20. Both events will be held at the Ora Mae Harn Park pool (13250 N. Lon Adams Road). On Aug. 17, we move from the pool to the Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad (12375 N. Heritage Park Drive) for a showing of “Hotel Transylvania.”
The pool at Ora Mae Harn Park, the Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad and the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad are open every day for the summer, and all three amenities are free of charge.
Our events aren’t just about entertainment. We also encourage civic engagement. On June 19 and 20, we will hold our “Make Marana 2040 General Plan Update” community open houses. These open houses provide opportunities for the public to review the draft of the Make Marana 2040 General Plan and provide feedback. Community input is an essential part of developing a plan that serves our community. To learn more, visit MakeMarana2040.com
Our Animal Services Division has much to offer during these summer months, including free microchip clinics. We are partnering with No Kill Pima County for a free microchip clinic on Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marana Community Center (13250 N. Lon Adams Road.)
Sports Camps for kids are new this summer.
Marana Parks and Recreation has a wide variety of programs for every age and interest. There are several camp options, including art camps, horse camps and sports camps. Teens looking for something to do during the day should check out our “Teen Extreme Day Camp Adventures.” Participants get to attend trips to a Diamondbacks game, Big Surf Waterpark, and Arizona Zipline Adventures.
We have day trips for our seniors as well. There are two trips left to Mt. Lemmon, and a steamboat trip on Canyon Lake. Our senior center has a wide variety of activities, including games, physical fitness classes and arts and crafts.
Are sports your thing? We have open gym for basketball and pickleball, with our pickleball league starting up in July. For our youngest residents we have the “Tots & Me Story Art” classes and the “Nature to You: Youth Garden Education Series.”
To learn more about all our recreation programs, visit MaranaAZ.gov/recreation.
It may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide inside! There is something for everyone in our community. Whether you want to hone your skills, attend a festival, or participate in civic engagement, Marana has plenty of options for you.
Jamsheed Mehta is the Marana Town Manager.
Save the Date for Marana Star Spangled Spectacular
School is coming to an end, and it’s time to begin planning for the summer. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Star Spangled Spectacular on July 4!
Over 15,000 people are expected to come out and celebrate our nation’s birthday at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. Enjoy live music, kids activities, splash pad, food, vendors, and more. To learn more about the event, click here.
This year, a clear bag rule has been instated. All belongings must be carried in to the park in a clear bag. Diaper bags are an exception to this rule. ALL bags will be checked upon entrance into the park. Outside alcohol is also not permitted. Alcohol will be available for purchase at the event.
(Photos from last year’s Star Spangled Spectacular)
Marana Town Talk Episode 9: Summer Fun, Macro Machines
Town of Marana has released its ninth episode of "Marana Town Talk", a local government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events.
Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the episode with a double Summer Preview. First we interview Marana Parks & Recreation’s D. Tyrell McGirt and Corey Larriva (1:00) to get all the details about the great summer programs Parks and Recreation has for kids this summer. Next Special Events Coordinator Monique Hagberg (13:30) gives us a preview of the Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular as well as the Free Movies and Music series that the Town is hosting this summer. Finally, we look back at the Marana Macro Machines event (25:00) and get some on location interviews with Public Works Deputy Director Fausto Burrell and Parks Superintendent Dave Herman, who both helped make the event so much fun.
Resources on this episode’s content:
Things to do in Marana for May and Beyond
May 4 - Ina Road Celebration Weekend
Come celebrate the reopening of the Ina Road Interchange and Ina Road Beautification Project with a 9 AM ceremony on Saturday, May 4 and business block party throughout the weekend!
The Ina Road Celebration Weekend kicks off on Saturday, May 4 with a 9 A.M. cake-cutting ceremony featuring Town elected officials and staff, and representatives from Arizona Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority, and Marana Chamber of Commerce.
The ceremony will be followed by the business block party that will last throughout the weekend with celebrations and sales at participating business locations throughout Ina Road.
May 4 - Free Music in Marana: Kate Becker
Bring your dancing shoes for a night of free music in the park! Kate Becker is a vocalist and writer of melodies and lyrics. Becker brings deep and soulful meaning to her original songs with an eclectic mix of funk, latin, rhythm and blues and jazz. Her all-star band includes some of Arizona’s best musicians.
May 4 - Marana Meltdown
Join us in our first ever Mountain Bike Time Trial on the Tortolita Preserve. The course is 9.9 miles of single track with sand, hard pack, and some nice flowy sections. This is a semi-technical trail that meanders through the beautiful Tortotlita Preserve.
May 11 - Mother's Day 5K
Celebrate Mom the healthy way at the popular Mother's Day 5K in Marana. This event features a family fun walk/run beginning at the beautiful Gladden Farms Park. Every participant will receive a raffle ticket. Mom’s, Grandmothers, & Moms-to-be are the guests of honor and will receive a charm at the finish line.
May 15 - Coffee With A Cop
Come grab a cup of coffee and meet and interact with members of the Marana Police Department from noon to 2 PM on Wednesday, May 15 at the Starbucks located at 3951 W. Ina Road.
This is a great opportunity to meet Ofc. Ashley Espinoza, who is the new Community Resource Officer for the Marana Police Department, or just chat with any of the MPD staff on hand.
May 18 - Free Movie In Marana: Emoji Movie
The Free Movie in Marana for May is the Emoji Movie, which will be shown at the Splash Pad at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. Show starts at 7:30pm, once the sun has gone down. Bring something to sit on or borrow a chair or blanket from us. We will have a snack vendor present with movie treats for purchase.
June 1 - Free Music In Marana: The Drift
The Drift has been playing classic rock since before it was classic rock. The band was formed in 1982 playing guitar-based rock with influences like Foreigner, Boston, and Journey. They mix some of their originals, with rock in roll radio standards we all know and love.
July 4 - Star Spangled Spectacular
Come out to Marana's spectacular Independence Day celebration, the Star Spangled Spectacular at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park. Enjoy live music, dozens of food trucks, inflatables for the kids, a beer garden for the adults, and of course, a magnificent fireworks show.
Town of Marana seeking Letters of Interest for radio partnership
The Town of Marana is requesting Letters of Interest from radio broadcasting companies seeking to be the exclusive radio media partner for the Town’s Star Spangled Spectacular event.
The Town of Marana intends to select one radio media partner that;
Provides coverage promoting the event in the months leading up to the event date
Reaches an audience that reflects the Marana community, as well as reflects the appropriate tone and scope of the event
Expands the Town’s reach into new audiences that will enhance/grow event attendance
Any additional services provided by the radio media partner that corresponds with the Town’s intent to grow awareness and attendance at the event will also be considered, including;
Live event coverage and on-site presence
Emcee services
Sponsor an attraction within the event with the ability to sell additional sponsorships to Town-approved entities
Recruiting of musical talent for the Star Spangled Spectacular
The Letter of Interest should include;
Name of applicant
Name of a contact person including email and phone number
Brief description of organization and its qualification. Please include target audiences and reach.
Description of services to be provided
Interviews may be required at the Towns discretion
All questions related to this LOI process or procedure must be submitted in an email to Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager, at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov. Send all questions by February 8, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Arizona time. Answers to questions will be distributed to all interested parties.
Letter of Interest packages will be due February 15 by 3:00 p.m. and emailed to Vic Hathaway at vhathaway@maranaAZ.gov or delivered and titled;
LETTER OF INTEREST FOR TOWN OF MARANA RADIO MEDIA PARTNERSHIP to;
Town of Marana
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Marana, AZ. 85653
Attn: Vic Hathaway, Communications Manager
Photo Gallery: Star Spangled Spectacular
On Wednesday, July 4, the Town of Marana held their annual Star Spangled Spectacular. Nearly 17,000 people attended the free event that included a kids' area with inflatables, five bands, food trucks, and of course, fireworks.
Relive the evening with this photo gallery by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography.
