Parades
100TH APACHE COUNTRY RODEO & PARADE “100 YEARS: OUR WAY”, Springerville | July 4th, 2012 is the 100th consecutive Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in Round Valley. The annual parade is the morning of the 4th. Community events include free pancake breakfast by the Eagar Fire Department; skateboard competitions, racquetball competitions, art walk with wine and cheese reception, vendors, bicycle racing, educational forums, and two evening dances at the rodeo grounds. (June 29, 2012 – July 4th, 2012)
ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FAIRE, Phoenix | Through the years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire has celebrated Irish Culture and traditions and the 2011 event “Arizona’s Irish Celebrate the Centennial”will include special features to celebrate Arizona’s upcoming Centennial. The parade is the second largest parade in Arizona and the faire features Irish entertainment, crafts, foods, etc. celebrating and preserving the rich and varied contributions of the Irish culture. (March 12, 2011)
APS FIESTA OF LIGHT ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE, Phoenix | In partnership with the City of Phoenix Human Services Department, our Grand Marshals will be Centenarians from the Phoenix Senior Centers. In addition, the ASU School of Community Resources and Development, Parks and Recreation Management Special Event students will coordinate AZ Centennial 100 Years FREE activities for youth on December 2 during the preview party. These activities will be diverse and educational. (December 2-3, 2012)
ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE, Downtown Flagstaff | The Armed Forces Day Parade in Historic Downtown Flagstaff is a celebration for all Arizona citizens and all American’s who cherish and want to learn more about the time honored traditions of the U.S. Military. (May 21st, 2011)
DAISY MOUNTAIN VETERANS PARADE, Maricopa | The Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade has a substantial connection to the Arizona Centennial through the participation of numerous historic groups. In addition to the parade there will be models of several well-known national monuments with historical connections to Arizona. (November 12, 2011)
FOUNDER’S DAY FESTIVAL, Marana| Founders’ Day is a celebration of Marana’s 1977 incorporation. The event is being expanded from one day to four this year and includes a parade, carnival, live entertainment and various historical displays. (October 27-30, 2011)
FREEDOM FEST 2011 – ARIZONA CENTENNIAL, Show Low | Show Low hosts one of the largest Independence Day events in the state. Our community swells to nearly 50,000 freedom loving citizens looking for an opportunity to escape the heat and enjoy Main Street America. Freedom Fest activities include parade, concert, fireworks, food and craft vendors and family games. (July 4, 2011).
PARADA DEL SOL PARADE, Scottsdale |The Parada Del Sol Parade is world-famous for having the longest horse-drawn parade. People young and old love to watch horse-drawn stage coaches, wagons, buggies and carriages make their way down Scottsdale Road ridden by cowboys and cowgirls in Old West attire. (February 11, 2012)
PRESCOTT FRONTIER DAYS® 125TH WORLD’S OLDEST RODEO® , Prescott| This annual event, consisting of an eight performance rodeo, parade, and three night dance, has taken place since 1888. In 2012, the event will focus on the historical happenings in and around Prescott and Yavapai County, including ranching and mining. (Rodeo |June 28-July 3, 2012; Parade | June 30, 2012; Dance | June 28-30, 2012)
ROOSEVELT’S RIDE, Apache Junction |The project will feature a President Theodore Roosevelt re-enactor who will be the Grand Marshall for the annual Lost Dutchman Days Parade. He will be riding in an era-specific vehicle. After the parade he will drive to more locations on the historic Apache Trail where he will speak about the building of the road to carry materials for the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. (February 24 – 26, 2012)
TUCSON RODEO PARADE, Tucson| The Tucson Rodeo Parade is going on their 87th annual Parade. Their parade maintains the spirit and embodies the state heritage every year. (February 23, 2012)
TUMBLEWEED TREE LIGHTING AND PARADE OF LIGHTS, Chandler| The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights is the City’s largest single day attended event. The event is free to attend and is family friendly. Activities include kids games, two stages with entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts booth, pony rides, along with free pictures with Santa. The two main features of the evening are Parade of Lights and the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree. (December 3, 2011)
VA VETERANS DAY PARADE, Phoenix| The VA Veterans Day Parade is an annual event designed to honor our nation’s Veterans on their special day Veterans Day. The VA Veterans Day Parade will include 100 entries to mark our AZ Centennial. Entries consist of Veterans Service Organizations (such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans etc.; novelty units such as horses, historical cars, War Dog entries; ROTC units, Color Guards, Floats, Helium Balloons, Floats and bands. There are several levels of Marshal in the parade including Celebrity Grand Marshals, Veterans Grand Marshals denoting each era of service and each branch of service, and a Business Community Grand Marshal. The Veterans Grand Marshals are designed to depict the history of Arizona’s military service, pulling from all units that are presently housed in Arizona. Tied to the parade each year is a state wide Essay Contest for students from grades 5-12 to write essays depicting the parade theme, which changes each year. The 2011 parade theme is “Veterans Our Resilient Heroes” denoting the educational component of what it means to be a military member and to highlight the impact that has on our families and citizens across the great state of Arizona. The winning essays are read to patients, staff, and the community at the Parade Reading Essay Breakfast on October 27 and the Essay Winners ride in the VA Veterans Day Parade. Along the route, there are 7-8 educational offerings as local celebrities from TV and Radio outlets gather to read the scripts assembled by the Parade Coordinator, to help educate those in attendance about our Veterans and the entities designed to honor, recognize and support them. (November 11, 2011)
