The annual Tucson Rodeo Parade returns to Tucson on Thursday, February 23.
The parade committee named Jeanette Mare, founder of Ben's Bells, as this year's grand marshal.
Mare was born in South Africa and immigrated to the U.S. when she was a toddler.
Her family moved to Tucson 40-years-ago and she says the community has helped her in many ways since.
"Losing my child was something that I didn't think I could survive, but people in this town people who knew me and also who didn't know me took care of me and my family in ways I never could never ever pay back," said Mare. "And what I learned is that kindness is powerful."
The Tucson Rodeo Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on February 23.
The parade route begins on Ajo Highway 1/2 mile west of Park Ave. going east to Park Avenue, then south on Park to Irvington Rd., west on Irvington to Sixth Avenue and north on Sixth to the North end of the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. The Judges and Reviewing stands are located on the North side of Irvington close to Sixth Ave. Grandstand seating is on Irvington Road.
