SCOTTSDALE, AZ – A statewide crown jewel since its first production in the early 1970s, the Fiesta Bowl Parade will honor the Fiesta Bowl Organization's 50-year history on the traditional two-mile march through Central Phoenix. This year's edition will feature a new date, prior to the holidays, on Saturday, December 18, at 10 a.m.

To celebrate the Fiesta Bowl's Golden Anniversary, the Fiesta Bowl Parade theme is "Gold Standard: A Commitment to CommUNITY," in honor of the organization's impact and support to bring Arizona communities together for 50 years. The Fiesta Bowl once again invites and encourages groups to submit an application by Friday, September 10, 2021, to be a part of the Parade.

With the Fiesta Bowl Parade moving two weeks earlier, the state's highest-attended single-day event will enjoy the spotlight on Saturday, December 18. Admission is free to the public with premium and reserved seating now available for sale at $30. The Parade is broadcast live on Arizona's Family 3TV, online and through the AZFamily app.

"The Fiesta Bowl's rich history is full of memorable moments and the Fiesta Bowl Parade provided many of them. We can't wait to honor the Fiesta Bowl's 50-year impact with our communities and invite them to participate as well," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy. "Having the Fiesta Bowl Parade as a standalone event this year is the perfect kickoff to our holiday season of events that connect our community."

A combination of more than 3,000 men, women, children and animals participate in the Fiesta Bowl Parade annually – which features various brilliantly colored floats, giant balloons, antique cars, equestrian units, charitable groups, local celebrities, marching bands and more.

Grand Marshals for this year's Parade will be announced in September. The "Women in Sports" themed quintet of Special Olympics golfer Amy Bockerstette, U.S. Women's Soccer standouts Julie Ertz and Jessica McDonald, U.S. Paralympic gold medalist Allysa Seely and arguably the greatest women's basketball player of all time Diana Taurasi served as Grand Marshals in 2019. Other celebrated Grand Marshals have included Charles Barkley, Jerry Colangelo, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken, Jr., Kerri Strug, Chuck Yeager, brave firefighters, Olympic gold medalists and history-making astronauts.

For more information about the events, the application process and to purchase tickets, please visit www.FiestaBowl.org/Parade.
 
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL ORGANIZATION
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Fiesta Bowl Parade, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.
 
Media Contacts: Scott Leightman (sleightman@fiestabowl.org; 480.517.6291); Alex Nash (anash@fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0925)