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Entertainment Magazine: Tucson Rodeo Parade Grand Marshals are a grand tradition with the Tucson Rodeo ParadeEvery year, several weeks
before the annual Tucson Rodeo Parade, the Grand Marshal is named to
host the parade. The Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, Inc. is a non-profit
organization that plans and organizes the annual Tucson Rodeo Parade
and operates the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum, a collection of horse-drawn
vehicles and Western memorabilia. Chris Edwards, business owner and philanthropist, as its 2026 Rodeo Parade Grand MarshalIn an era dominated by corporate chains and online shopping, Chris Edwards and Tucson Appliance Company stand out as a beacon of what local business is meant to be; personal, reliable, and rooted in community. Chris has taken the reins of Tucson Appliance from his late father and has never strayed from his goal: to offer affordable, honest service with a strong appreciation of civic responsibility. Through recessions, rapid city growth, and changing retail landscapes, the Edwards family has stayed true to their roots—proving that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of values. A native Tucsonan and an alum of Sabino High School; he honored his alma mater by incorporating the colors purple and gold to the look of the business. Chris has a strong sense of community. He is a proud supporter of the U.S. Military. In fact, he was an honorary Base Commander at Davis Monthan Air Force Base for 9 years. Chris is also a huge supporter of University of Arizona Athletics. He is a generous sponsor of local nonprofits, youth programs, school fundraisers, and community events. Chris has a strong commitment to providing support to those in need without the need for recognition. His civic pride has ushered him into local organizations such as The Tucson Rotary Club, The Arizona Multi-Housing Association, The Better Business Bureau, The Institute of Real Estate Management, The American Heart Association, Greater Tucson Leadership, and The Tucson Conquistadors, an organization that was honored as Grand Marshals of the 2018 Tucson Rodeo Parade. Chris is known by many for his big heart, and he happily provides donations to charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Miracle Network, Our Family Services, The Humane Society, The Reid Park Zoological Society, TMC Health Foundation, Tucson Botanical Gardens, The Haven, Banner University Medical Center, local schools and churches, and The Tucson Rodeo Parade. One of the most meaningful reflections of Chris’ heart for service was chairing the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Ball—alongside his children, Corbin and Camrynn. This leadership role goes far beyond sponsorship; it’s hands-on, family-driven involvement in a cause that saves lives and strengthens the community. By chairing the event together, the Edwards family modeled the values Tucson Appliance was built on: service, compassion, and showing up when it matters most. It is this community-first ethos and humble, behind-the-scenes work that inspired the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee to proudly choose Chris Edwards as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Tucson Rodeo Parade. Descendants of Rodeo and Parade Founder to Serve as Grand Marshals for 2025 Centennial Parade
Photo: Frederick Leighton Kramer In 1925, a transplanted New York polo player, Frederick Leighton
Kramer, proposed to Tucson businessmen the idea of holding a rodeo to
help fund an Eastern trip for the local polo association, of which he
was president. Even though many local leaders thought the idea was
a waste of time, the idea took hold. The rodeo would be held at the
polo fields at Kramer’s Rancho Santa Catalina Ranch, located near the
current site of the University of Arizona hospital. Tucson Rodeo Past Grand Marshals2023: Jessica Cox2018 Tucson Conquistadores2017: Jeannete Mare2016: Chandler Warden2015: Jerry Kindall2014: Dan Marries2013: Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly2012: Tucson Boys Chorus2011: Joel Valdez2010: "Big Jim" Griffith
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2009: Mayor Bob Walkup
A
self-made man, Humberto Lopez has washed dishes, dig ditches, worked
fields, bagged groceries, and became one of the most recognized members
of Tucson's business and non profit communities.
In
a "roast style" presentation, former U.S. General Surgeon, and Tucson
hero, Richard H. Carmona, was selected as the 2007 Grand Marshal of the
82nd Tucson Rodeo Parade.