Staff Reports
SAFFORD – In what is quickly becoming a Halloween tradition for Graham County, several of the county departments, along with the generous donations from dozens of sponsors, partnered for the second annual Halloween Courthouse Crawl: a Trick-or-Treat event for all.
Held on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the historic Graham County Courthouse in Safford, the event transformed the typically solemn government building into a vibrant hub of Halloween cheer. What began as a community outreach initiative last year has grown into a beloved annual spectacle, drawing hundreds of families eager to trade ghoulish grins for fistfuls of candy.
The Courthouse Crawl, spearheaded once again by Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett and his dedicated staff, aimed to soften the courthouse’s intimidating reputation — especially for children who might associate it with less festive visits.
“We wanted to take some of that fear and angst away and make it a safe place,” Bennett remarked during the event, echoing sentiments from the inaugural crawl. Legal Assistant Heather Jacobs, who first proposed the idea as part of broader community engagement efforts, watched with pride as kids in superhero capes and witch hats dashed from office to office.
This year’s crawl featured elaborately decorated doors and hallways on every floor of the courthouse, with themes ranging from Harry Potter and unicorns to a creepy carnival with a demented killer clown. Staff members, volunteering on their own time, donned costumes — from friendly ghosts to quirky judges in wigs (or killer clowns) — to hand out treats donated by local businesses.
Sponsors played a pivotal role in making the night a success, contributing candy, decorations, and even themed giveaways. Key partners included Relion Realty, Pepsi, Walmart, and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., whose support ensured the event remained free and accessible to all.
Beyond the trick-or-treating, the crawl incorporated family-friendly games and photo ops, fostering connections in a low-pressure environment. Organizers reported over 750 participants, a notable increase from last year’s turnout, signaling the event’s rising popularity. Looking ahead, Bennett teased expansions for future crawls, potentially including a larger Halloween carnival to fund the County Attorney’s annual Christmas Toy Drive for underprivileged families.
As jack-o’-lanterns flickered out and costumed crowds dispersed into the cool Arizona night, the second annual Halloween Courthouse Crawl left an indelible mark: a reminder that even the sternest halls can host the sweetest surprises. With its blend of spooky fun and heartfelt outreach, this tradition is poised to haunt Graham County’s calendars for years to come.
