GRAHAM COUNTY — A true small-town Fourth of July was celebrated Saturday, as all the communities in Graham County came together from sunup to sundown to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial under the banner of Gila Valley 250.
Morning
The day started with the Thatcher Fire Department waking residents by driving through the community with sirens wailing, followed by the People’s Parade.
Residents then had a choice — take the kids fishing at Graham County Fairgrounds, courtesy of the Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 and American Legion Lopez-Hernandez Post 95, or go to Pima for breakfast.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Upward of 800 plates of pancakes and bacon were served free at the old Pima football field, courtesy of Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society, and the Town of Pima.
“This has been good. If you look at the serving tables, you’ve got Town Council members from Pima, Thatcher and Safford serving. It’s neat to see it all together,” said Clint Woods with the Museum.
After breakfast, a record crowd of Gila Valley residents made their way to Safford to watch the Gila Valley Fourth of July Parade, sponsored by the Safford Lions Club.
More than 40 entries made their way down Safford’s Main Street, showing of their patriotism and creativity.
Parade judges Chris Crawford, Amanda Patterson, Isabella Schnebly and Danny Smith picked four winners:
Most Patriotic — Residents of Eden
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Most Creative — Bark Avenue
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Best Use of Theme — Masonic Family of the Gila Valley
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Best Youth Entry — 4-H
– with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office
Afternoon
Again residents faced choices for the afternoon’s activities. Both Pima and Safford offered free swimming in the municipal pools, courtesy of Big Buckle Roofing, with City of Safford and Nana’s Kitchen also providing free hot dogs to children.
Free hot dogs, chips, drink and watermelon were available at the Thatcher Splash Pad Park, courtesy of the Town of Thatcher and Eastern Arizona College.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
“This is exactly what we wanted, for the people that were still in town to come out, get together (and) have some food,” Said Lori Dugan with EAC.
In addition to playing in the splash pad, children were sprayed with the hose by the Thatcher Fire Department, played on the playground equipment and received free face painting from Karen Fox and Layton House Bed and Breakfast.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Evening
The night-time activities moved to the Graham County Fairgrounds, to enjoy food and sweets from multiple food trucks and other vendors, as well as free frozen treats courtesy of Graham County and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented Just Serve Heart of Service Awards to community members who go above and beyond in their volunteerism and service to the Gila Valley.
Recipients included:
- Danny Smith
- Donna McGaughey
- Steve McGaughey
- Patti Wren
- Sue Ciancimino
- Reed Richins
- Royce Hunt-Bell
- David Bell
In June, Just Serve Gila Valley also presented Heart of Service Awards to five local nonprofit organizations:
- Mt. Graham Safe House
- Gila Valley Samaritan Home
- St. Vincent DePaul Society
- Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services
- Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
After the awards, the ZGF Band took to the Kempton Chevrolet Stage and played until the sun went down and the fireworks started, courtesy of Graham County, City of Safford, Town of Pima, Town of Thatcher and the Safford Lions Club.
Following the fireworks show, the ZGF Band returned and played until close.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
