SAFFORD — Saying Safford’s Downtown has “some resilient businesses here,” Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith welcomed everyone to the organization’s annual Appreciation Luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the historic Safford Theatre.
Smith highlighted the work the association is doing on renovation of the theatre, saying the goal is to have the theatre open this year to “host Zaylie Windsor, if we can still afford her after she wins it all on American Idol.”
Breaking from the tradition of handing out Best of Safford awards to businesses as voted on by the public, the Safford Downtown Association instead opted to honor the eight Downtown businesses that have been in continual operation for 70 or more years.
“I’m glad we cut it off at 70. If we cut it off at 50, we may not have been able to afford all the awards,” Smith said.
The eight businesses are:
- Emil Crockett Insurance Agency, opened in 1912 (113 years)
- Swire Coca-Cola, opened in 1920 (105 years)
- Haralson Tire, opened in 1938 (87 years)
- Safford Builder’s Supply/Ace Hardware, opened in 1938 (87 years)
- Thriftee Supermarket, opened in 1949 (76 years)
- McDougal Caldwell Funerals and Cremations, opened in 1950 (75 years)
- Casa Manana, opened in 1952 (73 years)
- Allred’s Insurance, opened in 1955 (70 years)
– Gila Valley Central Photo
Safford Downtown Association also honored four new businesses that opened their doors in 2024 — Chubba LLC, Garrett’s Sweet Shop, The Happy Hippy and Rafter G BBQ.
Lunch was prepared by the Safford Lions Club, which is also celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, Ginaveve’s and Garrett’s Sweet Shop. Table decorations were provided by Willa’s Cottage.
