Celebrating the Fourth of July, Gila Valley style

GRAHAM COUNTY — Safford Free Masons, Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls put on a show that wowed the judges at the Safford Lions Club’s annual Independence Day Parade down Safford’s Main Street on Friday.

The Mason’s float showed George Washington, a Master Mason, presiding over the laying of the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol Building in 1793, with lookers-on all dressed in period-accurate garb.

That effort earned the Masons the award for Most Creative from the judges.

Other winners included:

Best Youth Entry — Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Program

Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Program was named Best Youth Entry in the 2025 July 4 Parade in Safford.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Most Patriotic — Gila Valley Freedom Band

The Most Patriotic entry in the Fourth of July Parade on Safford’s Main Street was the Gila Valley Freedom Band.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Best use of the Theme, Broad Stripes and Bright Stars — JJ’s Precision Excavation

JJ’s Precision Excavating was judged to have the Best Use of Theme – Broad Stripes and Bright Stars – at this year’s parade.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

There were two grand marshals for this year’s parade — Steve Oller, who received the Silver Star for his service in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, and Ray Apodaca, a Silver Star recipient for his service with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam.

One this year’s Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals was Army veteran Steve Oller, while Marine veteran Ray Apodaca was the other.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

There were 36 entries in the parade, with almost 50 vehicles and floats participating.

Pima

The first activity Friday happened in Pima, although it was part of any holiday celebration. The Gila Valley Freedom Run 5K run/walk took place, with proceeds to benefit the family of Landon and Torrie Baldwin, who died in a plane crash in San Diego June 8.

Clint Woods, with Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society, said that event seemed to help the annual Fourth of July Breakfast at Pioneer Park.

“They started at 6 a.m., so they just wrapped up and I think they’re crowd came over,” Woods said. “We’ve got a really, really good turnout.”

Tom James looks on while Dale Rogers pours out the batter for another batch of pancakes at the Pima July Fourth celebration.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The breakfast, with support from the Town of Pima and the Pima Fire Department, serves as a fund-raiser for ongoing renovation of the museum.

Thatcher

Thatcher started the day with the annual wake-up call at 6:30 a.m., courtesy of the Thatcher Fire Department sirens.

That was followed by the annual community parade from the High School to the Splash Pad Park, for a free pancake breakfast and activities for the kids, including bounce houses and being sprayed with water from hoses on the Fire Department’s ladder truck.

Leonard Blake, 7, knows how to keep cool during the 51st Thatcher Independence Day celebration – grab a seat in the ice-filled bottled water trough.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

With the event growing more each year, the plan is to move the holiday celebration to the larger Recreation Complex at 8th Street and Reay Lane. However, Mayor Jenny Howard said the town has a few things to take care of first.

“We’re going to be working on expanding the parking; we’re worried about kids and 8th Street,” Howard said. “So, we’re going to be working on straightening 8th Street to reach Reay Lane and then adding additional parking. Just a few more things before we can go down there.”

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