Staff Reports
SAFFORD – Dust off your boots and get ready for four days of non-stop excitement, because the historic 99th annual Graham County Fair is roaring into town from today through Sunday, Oct.12! This beloved Arizona tradition in Safford promises a whirlwind of family-friendly thrills, heart-pounding livestock shows, mouthwatering eats, and a lineup of top-notch bands that will have you dancing under the stars. Whether you’re a local legend or a first-time visitor, this year’s fair is bigger, bolder, and packed with surprises that’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Kicking things off, Thursday, Oct. 9, the gates swing open at 5 p.m., with exhibit buildings showcasing stunning home ec displays, photography, art, and more – all received and judged earlier this week. Animal enthusiasts, don’t miss the Market Show in the Livestock Arena starting at 4:30 p.m., featuring lambs, swine, and steers strutting their stuff. For the little ones (and the young at heart), the Dinosaur Take Over! interactive show roars to life at 5:15 p.m., 8 p.m., and beyond. But the real headliners? Catch the Rising Star Competition (Instrumental & Band) at 5 p.m., followed by the soulful sounds of the Zaylie Windsor Band from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m., and wrap up with the high-energy Jessie Leigh Band taking the stage from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Carnival rides spin up at 6 p.m., and the Beer Tent flows from 5 p.m. – perfect for toasting the night’s vibes. Admission is just $6 for adults (11+), $5 for seniors (65+), and $2 for kids (5-10), with free entry for the tiniest tots under 5.
Friday, Oct. 10, ramps up the action starting at noon, with the fairgrounds buzzing until 11 p.m. Kick off your morning with the Showmanship competitions for swine, lambs, steers, and the epic Round Robin at 8 a.m. in the Livestock Arena – a must-see for 4-H fans and future ranchers. The parade rolls down Main Street at 10 a.m., so line up early for the floats, bands, and community spirit. Afternoon fun includes the Rising Star Competition (Dance & Gymnastics) at 1 p.m., plus performances from Aravaipa at 2 p.m., Safford Dance Academy at 3 p.m., and Safford Cheer! at 5 p.m. The Dinosaur Take Over! crew strikes again at multiple slots, and karate demos add some high-kicking flair at 6 p.m. Music lovers, groove to AZ/DZ at 5:45 p.m. and Savannah Jack at 8:45 p.m. – both delivering sets that’ll get the whole midway moving. Carnival rides fire up at 1 p.m., and the Beer Tent is ready from noon.
Saturday, Oct. 11, is peak fair frenzy from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., blending competition and chill vibes. Lace up for the Fair 5K at 8 a.m. or test your aim in the Disc Golf Tournament starting at the same time. Families can dive into Fair Games at 11 a.m., while the carnival, which whirls from 1 p.m., keeps the adrenaline pumping.
Live tunes start with Savannah Jack at 1 p.m., followed by the rootsy Bo Tidla at 3:45 p.m., the psychedelic Notes From Neptune at 5:45 p.m., and the electrifying Radio Ready Band closing out at 8:30 p.m. – a genre-spanning soundtrack for your fair day! Toss some bags in the Cornhole Tournament at 5 p.m. in the Beer Tent (open from 10 a.m.), and let the Dinosaurs Take Over! Throughout the afternoon, there were roars of laughter.
As the sun sets on the weekend, Sunday, Oct. 12 wraps it all up gently from noon to 5 p.m. – the perfect low-key finale with open exhibits, rides from 1 p.m., and three more Dinosaur Take Over! shows at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Grab those last-minute fair treats, say goodbye to the exhibits as they close at 4 p.m., and head out with a heart full of Graham County magic by 5 p.m.
With cash-only gates (ATMs on-site), hand stamps for re-entry, and unlimited fun for your ticket price, this fair isn’t just an event – it’s a celebration of community, agriculture, and pure Arizona joy. Mark your calendars (or head out now!), because the 99th Graham County Fair is where traditions thrive and new adventures begin. See you under the big top skies of Safford! For tickets and more, visit grahamcountyfair.com.
Graham County Fair Parade
And be sure to experience the Graham County Fair Parade on Friday, Oct. 10, starting at 10 a.m. The parade will bring the community together to celebrate the spirit and theme of this year’s fair, as colorful floats, marching bands, and decorated vehicles make their way down Main Street from behind the courthouse at 8th Avenue in Safford. Jim and Celinda Palmer will serve as the parade’s grand marshals.
