The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee
Our Story
The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee was officially formed in 1932 to run the annual Tucson Rodeo Parade, which first began in February 1925 as a promotional event for Frederick Leighton Kramer’s polo club and cowboy competition.
The Committee is also proud to serve the historical and educational interests of tourists, our community, and our schools through the Rodeo Parade and the Tucson Wagon and History Museum.
The Tucson Rodeo Parade is the culmination of a year-round effort by the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee. This committee is long steeped in tradition and prides itself in offering the Tucson community this grand legacy.
Board of Directors
The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee is governed by a Chairperson who leads a Board of Directors consisting of a Treasurer, Secretary, four Directors and an Advisor. All Board members are elected to two-year terms.
Chairman- Stan Martin
Stan Martin is the Chairman of the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, Inc. and a passionate advocate for preserving and promoting the history and culture of Southern Arizona. A retired band and orchestra educator with more than 30 years of experience, Stan has dedicated much of his volunteer service to the Tucson Rodeo Parade and the Tucson Wagon & History Museum. Since marching in his first Rodeo Parade in 1969, he has developed a lifelong appreciation for the traditions of the American Southwest. Through leadership, collaboration, and community engagement, Stan continues to work to preserve and share Arizona’s rich heritage for future generations.
Secretary- Herb Wagner
Herb was born in Tucson and volunteered for his first parade in 1983. He became member of the committee in 1986 and has served numerous terms on the Executive Board as Secretary and was committee Chairman in 1999-2000.
Herb has been chairman of the Equipment Rentals, Museum, Operations, Judges, and Entries and Lineup sub-committees, and is the committee’s Public Information Officer and Historian.
Treasurer- Lisa Canez
Lisa is serving her second consecutive term as Treasurer for the Committee. Lisa has been a committee member for 7 years and has also Co-Chaired the Tickets sub-committee during her tenure. She is the current Chair-Elect.
Advisor to Board- Dominick Porretto
Dominick has a long history with the Parade Committee, He became an Associate Member in 1993, A full Member in 1995 and has been an Advisory Member since 2013. During his time on the committee, Dominick has assisted with the Security, Operations, Entries and Line-up and Museum sub-committees. This is his fourth term as Advisor to the Board.
Member-at-Large- Raymond Prall
Ray has been a member of the Committee for 20 years and is serving his fourth tenure on the Board. He has been a member of the Buildings and Grounds, Tickets, and is current Chair of the Grandstands sub-committee.
Member-at-Large- Charly Toohey
Charly has been a committee member since 2015 and is serving her second term on the Board. She is an accomplished equestrian and is the current Chair of the Horseback Marshal and Prizes sub-committees.
Member-at-Large- Phil Castro
Phil is the current Vice-Chair of the committee. He has been a member for eleven years and is in his third term on the Board. Phil has been on the Buildings and Grounds, Equipment and Shop, and Prizes sub-committees. He is the current co-chair of Parade Operations.
Member-at-Large- Don Moore
Don is the newest member of the committee and is serving his first term on the Board. He is a skilled horseman and has experience managing rodeos and is current vice-chair of the Horseback Marshals sub-committee.
