Contributed article
THATCHER — The Town of Thatcher is inviting residents and visitors from across the Gila Valley to join in its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The festivities will begin with a community wake-up call by the Thatcher Fire Department at 6:30 a.m., followed by a parade starting at 7 a.m. and a morning of family-friendly activities at Herb Winsor Ballpark.
“We invite everyone from across the Gila Valley to join us in Thatcher this Fourth of July,” said Mayor Jenny Howard. “It’s a morning filled with community pride, tradition and fun for all ages. So come out and celebrate our nation’s independence with your friends and neighbors.”
Schedule of events:
- 6:30 a.m. — Thatcher Fire Department wake-up call
- 7 a.m. — Parade begins at Thatcher High School
- 7:15 a.m. — Celebration begins at Herb Winsor Ballpark
The parade will travel north on North 3rd Avenue, loop through the roundabout to West Church Street, then turn left onto North Stadium Avenue before ending at the Thatcher Splash Pad. Parade participants should disregard stop signs along the route to allow for a smooth parade flow.
Parade participants should assemble in front of Thatcher High School on 3rd Avenue starting at 6:30 a.m. and be ready by 6:45 a.m. Community groups, marching bands and local organizations are invited to join. Children are especially encouraged to decorate their bikes in red, white and blue and ride along in the parade. There is no sign up for the parade.
Post-parade events at Herb Winsor Ballpark include:
- Flag-raising ceremony
- National anthem performance
- Pancake breakfast for all
- Jumping castles for children
- Candy giveaways
- Fire Department splash and play
