GRAHAM COUNTY — There’s plenty of chances to show patriotism with Independence Day celebrations throughout the Gila Valley on Friday, July 4.
Schedule:
- 5-5:45 a.m. — Registration opens for the Gila Valley Freedom Run 5K run/walk, at the Pima Pool. Cost to participate is $20 per person and all proceeds benefit the family of Landon and Torrie Baldwin.
- 6 a.m. — Gila Valley Freedom Run 5K run/walk starts from the Pima Pool
- 6:30 a.m. — Thatcher Fire Department sirens wake the town.
- 7 a.m. — Thatcher Fourth of July Parade begins from Thatcher High School, north on 3rd Avenue to west on Church Street, to south on Stadium Avenue to the Thatcher Splash Pad Park and Herb Winsor Ballfields.
- 7 a.m. — Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society and Town of Pima present the raising of the colors by the Gila Valley Honor Guard and singing of the national anthem at Pioneer Park.
- 7:15 a.m. — Thatcher Independence Day celebration starts with the raising of the colors, singing of the national anthem, and free pancake breakfast. There are also bounce houses and the Thatcher Fire Department will spray children with the hose on the ladder truck.
- 7:15 a.m. — Pima and the Museum begin serving the breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon and a drink. Cost is $5 per plate for adults, $3 for children 10 and younger, and free for veterans and active-duty military.
- 10 a.m. — Safford Lions Club’s Fourth of July Parade begins down Safford’s Main Street, running west from the Graham County Courthouse to Central Avenue. The theme is Broad Stripes and Bright Stars.
- 1 p.m. — Pima Community Pool will have freed admission until 5 p.m.
- Sunset — Fireworks in Pima and Safford
