The award-winning Marana Founders’ Day celebration is returning to 11555 W. Civic Center Dr. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 18.

The 44-year-old parade is the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Program Award for the Best Cultural Awareness program from the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

This year, there’s going to be a car show by Obsessions Car Club, live cultural performances, historical experiences, a “creation station” by Lucky Cat Social Art, more than 30 artisan vendors, a chalk art alley, inflatable jumping castles, and a free photo booth.

And, you’ll need to eat, right? There’s going to be more than 25 food trucks and vendors will be dishing out the goods on Marana Main Street.

So, head on out to Marana chow down with the whole dang family. It’s not every day you’re able to grab a coffee from Al Gusto Coffee, chomp on a churro, slurp down a bowl of noodles, and eat pulled pork all in one place. The food trucks and vendors will be spread out in the area, so be sure to bring your walking shoes and a hefty appetite.

Below is the list of food providers (subject to change) at the Marana Founders’ Day party.

Participating Food Vendors

• Al Gusto Coffee Company
• Bars and Bubbly
• Black Jack Citrus Infusions
• Botanna’s Remix
• Cody Coyote Kettlecorn
• Churros El Rey
• Empanadas Dominicano
• Fat Noodle
• Fiesta Filipina Asian Express
• Jackie’s Food Court
• Jozarelli’s
• Marana Heritage Conservancy
• Mona’s Fry Bread
• Mrs. Emily’s Sweet Treats
• Purple Devil Donuts
• Romero’s Sonoran Hot Dogs
• Smokin’ Monster BBQ
• Sonoran Mexican Cuisine Food Truck
• Sweet Rolls and More
• Taco Rico
• Takoyaki Balls
• Tucson Kona Ice
• West Coast Trolley

All guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and come early to find a great spot along the parade route on Marana Main Street. Expect to see the likes of tractors and mini vehicles scootin’ along, marching bands, local public figures, and more.

Entertainment Schedule

• 10 a.m. – Marana Founders’ Day Parade
  • They suggest you find your spot between 8 – 9:45 a.m. because the area tends to fill up quickly.
• 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Jesse Colt Band
  • 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.
• Noon – Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona
  • Performing in the Marana Police Department Plaza. CDFA is composed of six different levels (ranging from the age of four years old to college-age students) and close to 150 dancers performing traditional Mexican folklore dances.
• 1 p.m. – Traditional Chinese Lion Dance
  • Performing in the Marana Police Department Plaza. 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.”

Even if you’re not a Marana resident, it’ll be a great opportunity to get to meet new folks and learn about the history of the town.

Driving Directions & Parking Information

If you are coming via I-10, they advise you to use the Marana Road exit (exit 236) because 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.

The event coordinators have even put together a nifty map.

The parade and festivities will take place at 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, Arizona. For more information, visit maranaaz.gov.