Gila Valley celebrates Cinco de mayo

SAFFORD — The winners were announced in Saturday’s 2024 Cinco de Mayo Parade, presented by St. Rose of Lima Catholic Parish.

Taking Most Authentic was St. Martin de Porres Mission in Pima, which offers catechism classes for youths in kindergarten through sixth grade.

More Creative went to Samaritan Home, an interdenominational group that developed the facility as a respite center for the homeless in the community. Samaritan Home provides a place to shower and do laundry; it serves a hot, homemade meal every Sunday; and offers information and assistance in obtaining services for those without a home.

The Best Family Entry was awarded to the 50 Yarders, who describe themselves as a horse-riding group that’s been together and riding for 34 years. The entry this year, led by trail bosses Ali Smith and Sony Abyta, celebrated group members that passed, including Ernest Abalos, Duane Ledford and Matt Arbizo.

Grand Marshals for the parade was Deacon Carl Vessels and Carolyn Vessels.

Following the parade, St. Rose of Lima hosted the Cinco de Mayo celebration, featuring its popular burros, as well as other food and game vendors, a classic car show, and entertainment headlined by Penumbra Mariachis.

“For the mariachis, we are thankful we’ve got Santi’s Mortgage Company, Joseph Montez with Keller-Williams and Kempton (Chevrolet) who are all helping out with the cost of the mariachis, so we appreciate them,” said Corina Pino-Reyes, event co-organizer.

“I addition to them we’ve got Pepsi, Ace Hardware, III Counties Tim Linden, Bonita Bean out of Willcox, Elko Wire Rope, Farmer’s Insurance, Torrio Trucking, Gila Valley Clinic, (KATO) Radio Station, Kat Kountry also did some stuff for us as well. So we’re really appreciative of everybody who (helped). The Chamber, they’ve done a great job of getting us in their calendar and on the marquee . . . and the City of Safford, they’ve been great to work with as well.”

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