Rundown of events for Independence Day in Graham County
Staff Reports
GRAHAM COUNTY – This Independence Day celebrate the U.S.A. by joining in on one of the various events around Graham County.
Pima
Start the day off right with Pima’s annual 4th of July Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. until the food is gone. Breakfast is hosted by the Eastern Arizona Museum and town of Pima and will be held between the Pima Fire Station and Pima Public Library. The breakfast will feature pancakes, eggs, and bacon as well as a beverage, all for just $4, veterans and active military eat free.
Be sure to cool off at the Pima Pool with free admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
While at the pool, enjoy a fundraiser with hot dogs, cotton candy, and soda for sale as well as a split pot raffle. The fundraiser will run from 1 – 5 p.m.
When dusk approaches make sure you have your seat within viewing distance of the Vard Lines Memorial Arena at 394 W. 1200 South for a stunning fireworks show starting around 8 p.m.
Thatcher
One way to avoid being awakened by the Thatcher Fire Department’s annual wake up call at 6:30 a.m. is to already be in line for the 7 a.m. parade. Parade attendees meet in front of Thatcher High School. The parade route will run north on 3rd Avenue, west on Church Street, then south on Stadium Avenue and end at the Thatcher Splash Pad.
After the parade, the annual pancake breakfast will be held at Herb Windsor Ballpark, starting at 7:15 a.m. The event will feature a flag raising, the playing of the National Anthem, a speech by Thatcher Mayor Randy Bryce, jumping castles, candy, and the fire department’s “splash and play”.
Safford/Graham County
Start off with the return of the annual fishing derby at the duck ponds at the Graham County Fairgrounds from 6 – 11 a.m. The newly named Moe Villalba Fishing Derby for Kids will also feature prizes in separate age categories, and free hot dogs, snow cones, and watermelon. Contact the Sons of the American Legion Post 32 at (928) 428-2990 for more information.
The city will hold its annual 4th of July Parade starting from the Graham County Courthouse at 10 a.m. and traversing Downtown Safford via Main Street. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.”
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.
