Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY – Celebrate our nation’s independence with events throughout Graham County on Friday, July 4.
Thatcher invites Gila Valley to a July 4 parade, pancakes, and fun
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 onto West Church Street, and then turn left onto North Stadium Avenue, 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
Pima to host annual 4th of July breakfast
Bring the whole family to start your Fourth of July celebration with a patriotic program and enjoy a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, pancakes, fruit, and a beverage, all for just $5 per plate ($3 for children), on Friday, July 4, in Pima. Veterans and active military eat for free.
The event takes place at Pioneer Park, located next to the Pima Fire Department and Pima Public Library off 200 West, starting at 7 a.m.
The Gila Valley Honor Guard will open the event with the raising of the Stars and Stripes, followed by a live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For more information, call (928) 250-9260.
The event is hosted by the town of Pima and the Eastern Arizona Museum.
In the afternoon, there will be free admission to the Pima Pool from 1 – 5 p.m., and the day will conclude with the town’s annual fireworks show by the Pima Volunteer Fire Department at the Vard Lines Memorial Roping Arena at around 8 p.m.
Safford invites the public to the “Broad Stripes & Bright Stars” Independence Day Parade
Celebrate our nation’s independence with pride at the city of Safford’s 4th of July Parade. This year, the theme is “Broad Stripes & Bright Stars” and will feature Grand Marshals Ray Apodaca and Steve Oller, veterans who both received the Armed Forces Silver Star Medal.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at 8th Avenue and Main Street and will march eastbound down Main Street.
Graham County sports fishing and fireworks
Graham County will start the holiday with its annual fishing derby at the duck ponds at the Graham County Fairgrounds from 5 – 9 a.m. The Moe Villalba Fishing Derby for Kids will also feature prizes in separate age categories, along with free hot dogs, snow cones, and watermelon. Contact the Sons of the American Legion Post 32 at (928) 428-2990 for more information.
When dusk approaches, get your seat for the annual fireworks show at the Graham County Fairgrounds. Fireworks are slated to start around 8 p.m.
