By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD — Downtown Safford transformed into a bustling hub of flavor, entertainment, and culture this past weekend as the community gathered to celebrate the milestone 20th annual SalsaFest on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26.
While daytime sun brought manageable crowds, the atmosphere truly ignited once evening fell on Saturday night. Local residents and visitors alike turned out in full force to enjoy cold brews at the DRG Technologies Beer Garden (presented by Bud Light and Estrella Jalisco) and dance the night away during a free live concert featuring a tribute to Selena.
The action-packed weekend featured a full slate of activities across two days, kicking off Friday morning with the Mt. Graham Golf Club Toptracer Range ribbon-cutting. Festivalgoers enjoyed live performances from Mariachi Luz de Luna, Island Style, and the XS band, along with humorous interludes by “Bob the Alpha Builder.”
Saturday’s festivities started bright and early at 8 a.m. with the fan-favorite Safford Lions Club Chihuahua Dog Races, sponsored by Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC) and represented by Jason Carter and Tracy Botkins. Fast-paced furry competitors claimed top honors:
- 1st Place: Bertha, owned by Toni Jimenez (Safford)
- 2nd Place: Baby, owned by Magdalena Garcia
- 3rd Place: Rock, owned by Magdalena Garcia
First-place finisher Bertha’s owner, Toni Jimenez, has been around the Chihuahua dog race game for some time and says she does it just for the thrill of the game.
“I’m glad they have them,” Jimenez said. “The dogs love running them, and we love bringing them. And it ain’t about the money; it’s just running the dogs.”
The Safford City-Graham County Library also celebrated its new mural, painted by artist Molly Keen, and held a ribbon-cutting event.
“Thank you to everyone that’s made this such a great experience,” Keen told the Gila Herald. “People have been really supportive, so thanks for having me, and I hope you enjoy the mural.”
Throughout Saturday, attendees explored the Mt. Graham International Observatory tour at EAC’s Discovery Park Campus, an extreme martial arts demonstration, and the 12th Annual Hispanic Heritage Dinner and Show at EAC’s Gherald Hoopes Activities Center. Automotive enthusiasts also flocked to the Safford Lions Club Car Show, which showcased an impressive 55 entries.
2026 SalsaFest Competition Winners
The heart of the weekend remained the fiercely contested culinary competitions, highlighting local talents across Michelada and Salsa divisions. Mechy’s was the big winner in the restaurant division, capturing Best Presentation, Best Green, and Best Overall. Doreen Grove took home multiple awards as well, taking Best Green and Best Overall in the Cottage Vendor division, and Jimmy Villescas scored both Best Red and Best Overall to lead the amateurs.
Michelada Awards
- Overall: Nicolette (JD’s Bar & Grill)
- Best Kick: Rhiannon Rose (La Quinta Inn & Suites)
- People’s Choice: Jenn Stewart
- Most Creative: Nicolette (JD’s Bar & Grill)
Salsa Division Winners
- Best Presentation:
- Restaurant: Mechy’s Mexican Food
- Cottage Vendor: Sammie Layton
- Amateur: Jeremiah Granatowski
- Best Green:
- Restaurant: Mechy’s Mexican Food
- Cottage Vendor: Doreen Grove
- Amateur: Brad Goldstein
- Best Red:
- Restaurant: Isabel’s South of the Border
- Cottage Vendor: Sammie Layton
- Amateur: Jimmy Villescas
- Best Overall:
- Restaurant: Mechy’s Mexican Food
- Cottage Vendor: Doreen Grove
- Amateur: Jimmy Villescas
- People’s Choice:
- Restaurant: Isabel’s South of the Border (Red)
- Cottage Vendor: LP Plates (Green)
- Amateur: Hailee McKinney (Red)
Sponsor’s Choice Award
Steven Delgado and Nacho Miranda with Sunrise Recovery took home the prestigious Sponsor’s Choice award, winning a $500 Food City gift card presented by Food City.
With two full days of delicious food, vibrant music, and community traditions wrapped up, organizers and attendees are already looking forward to the 21st installment when SalsaFest returns in September 2027.
Click here to view the Gila Herald’s Photo Album of the event.
