Former Gov. Jack Williams, shown in the 1978 Tucson Rodeo Parade, is among the many dignitaries who have ridden in the "Maximilian coach." The century-old vehicle has been the subject of tall tales and controversy since it was acquired by the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee in 1932.
Little Cowpunchers riding in the 1938 Tucson rodeo parade. Victor Aros is in the front, left. Pete Aros is standing in the middle, the only one without a cowboy hat. Photo courtesy of Victor Aros.
It was a rainy and windy day in 1983 as the parade made its way along Pennington Street. Because of the tight quarters downtown, the route was moved to S. Park Ave. in 1991.
Before the Tucson Rodeo Parade moved its stomping grounds to Park Avenue, it had a home in downtown Tucson.
Take a look at these historical photos from those times, and be sure to catch this year's parade Thursday at 9 a.m.
The route starts on the corner of Ajo Highway and Park Avenue and then heads south to Park and Irvington Road where it will turn west and end at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds on the Irvington and Sixth Avenue.