SAFFORD — While the Graham County Fair may have opened Thursday, it was Friday’s parade that really kicks off Fair Weekend.
Barbara Lou Gilpin led the parade as Grand Marshal, followed by floats celebrating this year’s Fair theme Sew It, Grow It, Show It.
The parade featured a number of political entries, with floats and candidates representing both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as candidates for San Carlos Apache Tribal Offices, including chairman, vice chairman and Bylas Councilman.
Music played a big part of the parade, with Safford, Thatcher, Pima and the EAC bands marching, as well as a number of bands from the San Carlos Apache Reservation.
Following the parade, the school bands gathered together for a combined performance on the steps of the Graham County Courthouse.
The fair runs Friday from noon to 11 p.m., while Saturday is 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Admission is $6 for those aged 10 to 64, $5 for those aged 65 and older, $2 for youths 6 to 9 years old and free for youths 5 and younger.
Performers this year include the band Huckleberry Road, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; with recording artists The Cole Trains headlining Friday night; and AC/DC tribute band Riff Raff headlining Saturday night.
Other performers include hypnotist Hypno Joe, telepathy and hypnosis with The Perceptives, and juggler James Reid.
Saturday will feature a disc golf tournament and a 5k run both at 8 a.m., and a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m. Children’s games include a diaper derby through the pumpkin patch, a grocery grab, frozen T-shirt contest, and three-legged and sack races.
