Freedom rings throughout the Gila Valley

GRAHAM COUNTY — America’s birthday was celebrated throughout the Gila Valley Tuesday.

Things began when the Thatcher Fire Department traveled the town with sirens on at 6:30 a.m. to wake everyone.

That was followed at 7 a.m. by two events — The Thatcher People’s Parade from Thatcher High School to the splash pad and Herb Winsor Park, and Pima’s traditional flag raising and Fourth of July breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon to benefit the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society.

*Clay Larson, center, and Edie Fletcher, right, make sure their pancakes have plenty of syrup during Pima’s Fourth of July celebration. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central*

“Huge thanks to the Town of Pima. They supply all the food and we just kind of provide the manpower,” said Clint Woods with the museum board. “It’s a good partnership. We’re very grateful for their help and their support.”

*Ryan Jarvis, left, and Nick Bingham prepare the pancakes and bacon for the Pima Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central*

At Herb Winsor Park, Thatcher Mayor Randy Bryce welcomed all, followed by the raising of the flag, and singing of the national anthem and patriotic songs by Sharon Watson, as well as performances by the volunteer Freedom Band, conducted by Dr. Gary Sorenson.

*Thatcher residents show their patriotism during the signing of the national anthem at the Fourth of July celebration at Herb Winsor Park on Tuesday. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central*

“It’s important for the kids to see the event, and to see us celebrating our Independence Day and formation of this country. And they might feel a little different than the adults,” Bryce said. “I hope it’s a time for the adults to just reflect on the freedoms that they’ve had throughout their lives.”

It’s all hands on deck to make the pancakes for Thatcher’s Independence Day celebration. Pictured are, from left, Thatcher Council member Ashley Smith, Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Corina Pino-Reyes, Torey Cranford with the SBDC, and Graham County Supervisor John Howard. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Everyone was also treated to a free pancake breakfast prepared and served by Town Council members and board members from the Graham County Chamber of Commerce. And children played in jumping castles and were soaked by water from the Fire Department truck.

*Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Pageant Royalty and Baby Royalty wave to the crowd during the Gila Valley Independence Day Parade in Safford on Tuesday. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central*

At 10 a.m., attention focused on Safford’s Main Street for the annual Gila Valley Independence Day Parade, put on by the Safford Lions Club and the city. The theme for this year’s parade was “Let Freedom Ring,” and the grand marshal was Safford Mayor Jason Kouts.

It was the first parade for Mick Ruiz, the new events administrative liaison for the City of Safford, who said, “Next year, we’re looking at an even bigger and greater Fourth of July celebration.

“I want to thank the whole, entire county for coming out and supporting us,” he continued. “Thanks to the Safford Lions Club for sponsoring it and for the City of Safford staff for helping out.”

*Mt. Graham Little League All-Stars walk the parade route, handing out candy to children. – David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central*

The Fourth of July celebrations Tuesday ended after sunset with fireworks celebrations in Safford and Pima.

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