Great ‘vibes,’ ‘impressed,’ ‘successful describe 2024 Safford Spring Festival

SAFFORD — “The vibes are great, the weather’s a little windy, the sun is peaking . . . we’re doing good,” Massiel Hirsch said about the 2024 Safford Spring Festival, put on by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce on the lawn in front of Safford City Hall.

This year’s event featured wine-tasting courtesy of Elgin Winery and Sonoita Vineyards, a gallery showing of fine artworks by the Art Guild of Eastern Arizona, and plenty of events for the whole family, including rock painting, flower planting, Hula Hooping and more.

Live music was presented throughout the two-day event by performers Kamea Nelson, Shell Game, TJ Taylor, Our Island Style, the Zaylie Windsor Band and JJ’s Party Band.

A special guest performed a duet with artist TJ Taylor, right, during his set at Friday’s Safford Spring Festival – TJ’s son Chad, 8.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

New this year were free giveaways from Spring Festival sponsors and Chamber of Commerce members; and a special VIP tent for sponsors that featured free water and soft drinks, free messages by Kachina Mineral Spa, free IV vitamin therapy from Revive Innovations and a free charcuterie board and food from Bampa’s Workshop and Fancy Pizzeria.

“We’re always trying to do better, trying to figure out how to get events where people can enjoy a day out with their families. I think we were successful,” said Vance Bryce, Chamber executive director.

The United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties presents a check for $180,000 for the purchase of the new stage used at the 2024 Safford Spring Festival. Pictured are, from left, Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Corina Pino-Reyes; United Way Board member Bob Rivera; United Way Director Denise Benton; and Eric Bejarano, who sits on the boards for both the Chamber and the United Way.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The Chamber also used the gathering to honor a number of members with ribbon-cuttings, including the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, which funded the purchase of a new stage; Whimsey Balloon Creations; Creative Custom Cakes. And United Way presented a check to Graham County Search and Rescue for construction of a new training center.

Taking part in one of the ribbon-cuttings was Kirsten Engel, Democratic candidate for Arizona 6th Congressional District, who also visited the Dump the Drugs event Saturday in Thatcher. She said she remains impressed by the enthusiasm residents have for the Gila Valley.

“Super friendly (and) welcoming,” Engel said. “It’s growing; there are so many new businesses and every time I come back it seems bigger. I’m really impressed.”

This group of friends knows how to have a fun Spring Festival, and that to make sure there’s plenty of food and wine. Pictured are, from left, D’Anna O’Mera, Crimson Burhart, Whitney Nohl, Johana Martin and Kylee Nagy.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

Sponsors for 2024 Safford Spring Festival included City of Safford; United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties; Double R Communications; NatureSweet; Kempton Chevrolet; Mann Mortgage; III Counties Distributing; Curtis Real Estate; Olson’s Greenhouse; Tiny Bean; Ginaveve’s Market Place; Jars & Lace; CMI; Sunstreet Lending; Bampa’s Workshop; Bee’s Kitchen; Big Tex Bar-B-Que; Velocity Builders; Optima Medical; La Unica; Isabel’s South of the Border; The Venue and Vignette on Main; Valley TeleCom Group; Maverick Motorsports; OneAZ Credit Union; Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center; Southeast Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority.

Melanie Eyre, left, helps daughters Salice Maza, 3, and Leilani Maza, 8, plant free flowers at the Olson’s Greenhouse booth at the 2024 Safford Spring Festival.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The 2024 Safford Spring Festival featured the celebration of new members of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting. Pictured are, from left, Chamber Board Member Taylor Banks; Kirsten Engel, Democratic candidate for Congress in Arizona’s 6th District; Ashlynne and Celeste Goetz, from Whimsey Balloon Creations; and Chamber Director Vance Bryce.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

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