SAFFORD — It’s a full weekend of activities in the Gila Valley.
Things begin Friday from 4-11 p.m., with the second annual Oktoberfest at Firemen’s Park in front of Safford’s City Hall.
“We actually have some live bands coming,” said Matt Hoshal with the City of Safford. “We have Happy and the Ghosts, and then Lucky J’s who are going to be there. It’s going to be a great time.”
The event features a cornhole tournament, beer stein holding and carrying contests, authentic German food, the Bud Light beer garden and the Arizona Fan Fest Adult Costume Contest, which features $500 in cash prizes courtesy of DRG Technologies.
The event serves as a fund-raiser by the City of Safford employees to support United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties. Sponsors include the City of Safford, the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, Bud Light, Double R Communications and Arizona Fan Fest.
The fun continues Saturday, with the 22nd annual Harvest Festival, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Firemen’s Park.
The event will feature stick horse and sack races, the Arizona Fan Fest Children’s Costume Contest, pumpkin carving and rolling, and the first Great Pumpkin Derby races, where wheels are attached to pumpkins and raced on a special track like a pinewood derby. All activities are free and prizes will be awarded.
There will also be vendors, and paint-and-take and craft-and-take classes for $20 per person per class.
And parents are encouraged to take their children trick-or-treating at the businesses located in Safford’s Downtown anytime during Harvest Festival.
Sponsors include the Safford Downtown Association, City of Safford, Essential Patient Care, Grad Solutions and Arizona Fan Fest.
Running from 3-9 p.m., Secret Soldiers is holding a Cancer Sucks event at Sarah’s Bullpen in Safford.
There event will feature a balloon release at sunset.
“Purchase a balloon there for $5. A portion of the money will fund Secret Soldiers and their mission, and to help a local family whose child is battling cancer,” said Brooke Curley with Secret Soldiers.
There will also be vendors and Sarah’s Bullpen will feature drink specials.
Secret Soldiers sends care packages with needed everyday items to active duty military.
Finally, Gila Valley Adventure Club is holding Night at the Museum at the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society in Pima, Saturday, from 6:30-9 p.m.
“Come for the history; stay for the popcorn,” said Kay Marchione with Gila Valley Adventure Club. “We’re going to have some people take you on a tour.”
All ages are welcome to learn about what the museum offers, as well as stay for a special showing of a film on the 1918 Power Brothers Shootout on Mount Graham.
There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required due to limited space. Call 612-325-1549 to RSVP.
