SAFFORD — The first big Gila Valley event was a hit, according to everyone who was there.
The Safford Spring Festival Saturday and Sunday on the City Hall lawn drew a large crowd and happy vendors.
“The event’s been great; we’ve done very well,” said Joshua Thomas, co-owner of Thomas Family Traditions Old Fashioned Soda. “There have been a lot of people coming out; seems like everyone wants to get out and get about, listen to music and enjoy the beverages. So it’s been phenomenal.”
After a welcome by Safford Mayor Jason Kouts and U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz., the festival featured wine sampling from Arizona vineyards, with Coronado Vineyards’ new owner, Doaja Hicks, bringing his wines to Safford for the first time, as well as Willcox’s newest winery, Strive Vineyards.
“It’s been amazing. We’re just excited to be out and about again finally, so that’s thrilling. We’ve never been to a Safford festival before, but we’re hearing that things are coming back bigger and better than ever,” said Strive co-owner Desiree Gerth.
The event featured a number of art opportunities — from viewing the work of the Eastern Arizona Art Guild on display in The Venue on Main Street, to children painting rocks. Participants could also enjoy a glass of wine while participating in a fine arts instruction by Tabetha Aranda, as well as learn decoupage and mixed-media crafting from Royce Hunt-Bell of Roycycled Treasures.
The graffiti art contest was organized by Joe Roaneagle and drew contestants from Graham and Gila counties.
“This gave us a chance to get the artwork out there. Not everybody likes the same kind of artwork, so it gives each artist a chance to promote themselves. And on top of that, high school students (get) the feel and the ability to push further in their education in art, too,” Roaneagle said.
Myron Starr, of Globe, took first place in the open category, while Forth Thomas High School’s Jasmine Gustina and Ysabelle Cobb took first in the high school division.
For history, attendees were offered tours of the historic Safford Theater by Safford Downtown Association President Danny Smith. Work on the theater is expected to be completed this year, making it available for next year’s event.
Music throughout the weekend was provided by the band Island Style as well as youth soloist Zaylie Windsor, and was capped off by The Bad News Blues Band and headliner Ryan Innes.
“This was my first actual festival or public event since the whole shut-down. I’ve been playing little gigs here and there, but on an actual stage with my name and being a featured performer, this was first one,” Innes said. “It felt like I was knocking the dust off for a minute and then, after a few songs, settled back into what I’ve been doing for a long time. It felt really good.”
