Gila Herald Staff Reports
SAFFORD — Downtown Safford is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors this weekend for the 20th Annual NatureSweet SalsaFest, bringing road closures, detour routes, and handicap accessible parking updates to the heart of the city.
In preparation for the festivities, the intersection of 8th Avenue and Main Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, through 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27. Concrete safety barriers will be placed from each corner of the Graham County Courthouse to the sidewalks along the City Hall Lawn and Kempton’s.
Traffic Detours and Pedestrian Access
Drivers heading north or south on 8th Avenue are instructed to follow posted detour signs. Traffic will be rerouted along West Court Street around the Graham County Courthouse.
For safety during the event, city officials strongly urge all festival attendees to cross 8th Avenue using the designated enclosed pedestrian walkway when accessing the Main Street festival entrance. Drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert for heavy foot traffic, and allow extra travel time when navigating through the downtown district.
Handicap Accessible Parking
A designated handicap accessible parking zone will be set up along the southern corner of the Graham County Courthouse near West Court Street and 8th Avenue. The area will be marked with blue traffic cones bearing accessible parking indicators. To use these spaces, you must display a valid, properly displayed handicap accessible parking placard or license plate.
A Milestone Year for Safford’s Signature Event
Now celebrating its 20th milestone year, SalsaFest turns Downtown Safford into a vibrant hub of live music, family activities, and local culinary talent.
The two-day celebration features a full schedule of events:
- Salsa Competitions: Top local restaurants, cottage food artisans, and amateur salsa makers will square off for the crown of best salsa in the Gila Valley. Tastings open Friday afternoon with the Taste of the Trail challenge, followed by Saturday’s cottage artisan and amateur challenges.
- Family Activities & Entertainment: Live entertainment will fill the main stage throughout Friday night and Saturday, headlined by mariachi groups, local dance troupes, live bands, and a Selena tribute performance.
- Lions Club Events: Festivalgoers can cheer on the crowd-favorite Safford Lions Club Chihuahua Races on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., followed by the annual Lions Club Car Show starting at 2 p.m.
- Zones & Refreshments: Downtown will host a dedicated Kid Zone, the Food City Salsa Making Zone, local vendor booths, and a beer garden operated by DRG Technologies.
For more information regarding city services or road closures, contact the City of Safford at (928) 432-4000 or visit cityofsafford.us. Find full event schedules and contest sign-ups for the weekend at azsalsafest.com.
