SAFFORD — The latest in the Gila Valley’s fall series of family events took place Saturday, with the 25th Safford Harvest Festival on the City Hall lawn.
Free family-friendly activities took place throughout the day. Pumpkin carving winners were Jayson and Rylie Champ in the 0-4 years old category, Sienna Pena in the 13-15 category and McKenzie Helgerson in the 17-18 class. Pumpkin carving was sponsored by Gila All-Star Cheer and the Safford Downtown Association.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Bro’s team of Nick Orr and Mason Hancock won the Gila Valley Veterans Services kids cornhole tournament, taking $50 each; M10 Express Tan and More sponsored the kids costume contest; and Dairy Queen gift cards were presented to winners in the pumpkin rolling contests courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Harvest Festival also featured daytime performances by Gila All-Star Cheer, Extreme Martial Arts and Gila Valley Chorale.
At 3 p.m., the event transitioned to adult fun, with the costume contest won by Danyella Cox as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”; holding a full stein without spilling won by Robert Messer in a time of 3 minutes 35 seconds; and stein carrying won by John Smallwood who carried 16 full steins at once without dropping or spilling.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The costume contest was sponsored by Retrograde Brews and BBQ, and the City of Safford and Mt. Graham Golf Club sponsored the stein contests.
The adult pumpkin carving contest was won by Illie DeJesus and Lilly Ramirez.
The evening wrapped up with classic rock and soul performances by the band The Jnx.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
City of Safford employees dedicate proceeds from the event to their charitable giving campaign in support of the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
