JOIN THE iHEARTRADIO PARADE TEAM!
CLICK HERE to join the iHeartRadio team (while supplies last)!
- Click "Register" at the top of the page, and create a free account.
- Under "Join an Exisiting Team" type in "iHeartRadio"
- Enter in your information to complete your registration
- We will see you on Saturday, April 23!
Yes! It's an actual parade of pets!
Coming Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, Friends of Pima Animal Care Center will have its first annual Tucson Surabu Pets of Pima Parade (POPP) down historic 4th Avenue in Tucson, AZ!
Friends of Pima Animal Care Center is pleased to announce a new community event for pets and the people who love them – the Pets of Pima Parade (POPP) -- April 23, 2022, down Historic 4th Avenue in Tucson. The Parade will also be a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the lifesaving work of the Pima Animal Care Center.
POPP is a celebration of the love between pets and humans, inviting people from across Tucson and Pima County to show off their cherished companions. Community members are invited to support PACC and join the parade with their pets of all shapes, sizes, and species by registering to participate. Registration details and timelines are forthcoming.
Canines and their people will walk in the Procession de los Perros, while felines and their humans are welcome to walk or ride in the Cat Convoy. Not to be excluded, all other pet types including, pigs, goats, reptiles, birds, and pocket pets will be featured in the Casino Del Sol’s Pet Pride procession. In addition, POPP will feature traditional parade elements such as bands, classic cars, costumed characters, entertainers, fire trucks, and much more.
Immediately following the parade will be 4 Legs on 4th, a festival featuring family-friendly activities up and down 4th Avenue. Anticipated activities include a pet adoption event, live music, car show, and kids court at Haggerty Plaza.
Leading the Pets of Pima Parade will be 2022 Grand Marshals Erin Christiansen and Call of Duty Rex, a Belgian Malinois adopted from PACC by Tucsonan Erin Switzer. Christiansen, an avid animal advocate and chief meteorologist for KOLD and FOX11, said she’s honored to serve as the grand marshal for the inaugural parade.
“I cannot think of a more colorful, festive way to support shelter animals in our community,” Christiansen said. “Let’s rally behind the tireless efforts of Friends of Pima Animal Care Center who have made it their mission to enrich the lives of these pets and, in doing so, touch the hearts of so many of us!”
Since his adoption from PACC, Rex has gone on to appear in commercials, video games, magazines, and recently wrapped up filming on a movie with the actor Chris Pratt. When asked about his experience at PACC and his role in the parade, he replied, “Woof!” High praise indeed. According to Rex’s handler, Erin Switzer, “We’re honored to represent PACC and bring awareness to the great animals available at the facility.”
The Pets of Pima Parade is possible due to the tremendous support of Pima’s animal-loving community. POPP founding partners include Central Pet, Casino Del Sol, iHeartRadio, FOX11 and My18, the Arizona Daily Star, 4th Avenue Merchants Association, and Sun Link.