THATCHER — The weekend isn’t just about parties in Safford’s Downtown, there are plenty of events in the Gila Valley that also benefit a worthy cause.
To help fund #SaveASkyler Make A Difference Scholarships for students who make a difference in their communities, the Associated Students of Eastern Arizona College will host its annual Jett’s Friday Night Lights Flag Football and Barbecue at Mickelson Field.
Cost is $80 per team and the first-place team will take home a $200 prize.
Play starts at 6 p.m.
Also Friday, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will take place at the Graham County Fairgrounds.
Day of show tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children and seniors. At 4 p.m. the midway opens, followed by the first show at 5 p.m. and a second show at 7:30 p.m.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be used by the Safford Lions Club to pay for gas cards for area residents who have to travel to Phoenix or Tucson for cancer treatments.
“Small Town, Big Heart, Cherished Legacy” is the theme for this year’s Heritage Days Friday and Saturday in Pima.
Heritage Days celebrates the founding of Smithville — now Pima — and serves as a fund-raiser for the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society.
“This is the only museum you can go and visit, and see the things from the history of this Valley,” said Nick Bingham.
Things start Friday, at 9 a.m., with the Quilt Show in the Cultural Hall of the old Pima Church. At 5 p.m., the traditional barbecue dinner will take place in the Pima High School cafeteria. Cost is $10 for those 12 and older, $7 for those younger than 12.
On Saturday, things get under way at 6 a.m. with the Old Semi-Truck Show in the parking lot of the old Pima Church. The Cowboy Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. at the Carter Farm Museum area. Cost is $7 per plate. And the Quilt Show will resume at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.
Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society will be open both days for tours.
Finally, on Saturday at American Legion Swift-Murphy Post No. 32 from 5-8 p.m. will be a special enchilada dinner to support Recovery Angels. Cost is $10 per plate.
Recovery Angels is made up of volunteers who help those battling addiction to keep their sobriety.
