Freedom rings throughout the Gila Valley

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Freedom rings throughout the Gila Valley

July 6, 2023

Graham County — America’s birthday was celebrated throughout the Gila Valley on Tuesday.

It all started when the Thatcher Fire Department went round town at 6:30 am with its sirens blaring, waking everyone up.

Two events followed from 7:00 am. Thatcher People’s Parade from Thatcher High School to Splash Pad and Herb Windsor Park, plus Pima’s traditional flag hoisting and pancakes, eggs, and bacon Fourth of July to benefit the Eastern Arizona Museum and Arizona Museum No breakfast. Historical Society.

Clay Larson (middle) and Edie Fletcher (right) generously drizzle pancakes with syrup during Pima’s Fourth of July celebrations. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

“We are so grateful to the City of Pima. They are providing all the food and we are only providing the human resources,” said museum director Clint Woods. “It’s a good partnership. I am very grateful for their help and support.”

*Ryan Jarvis (left) and Nick Bingham prepare pancakes and bacon for Pima Independence Day on Tuesday. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central*

At Herb Windsor Park, Mayor Thatcher Randy Bryce welcomed everyone, followed by flag hoisting, National Anthem and Patriotic Anthems by Sharon Watson, and performances by the Volunteer Freedom Band conducted by Dr. Gary Sorenson. was broken

*Thatcher residents show their patriotism by signing the national anthem during the Fourth of July celebrations at Herb Windsor Park on Tuesday. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central*

“It’s important for kids to watch this event and see us celebrating Independence Day and the founding of this country. And they might feel a little different than adults,” he said. Bryce said. “I hope it’s time for adults to reflect on the freedoms they’ve had in life.”

We are going all out to make pancakes for Thatcher’s Fourth of July celebration. Pictured, from left, Thatcher City Councilman Ashley Smith, Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board member Corina Pino-Reyes, SBDC Tory Cranford, and Graham County Supervisor John Howard. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

All were also provided with a complimentary pancake breakfast prepared and served by the Town Council members and Graham County Chamber of Commerce officers. Children played in a jumping castle and bathed in water from a fire station truck.

Loyalty and Baby Loyalty from the Eastern Arizona Cinderella Scholarship Pageant waved to the crowd at the Gila Valley Independence Day Parade in Safford on Tuesday. – David Bell Photography/Gila Valley Central

At 10am, all eyes were on Safford’s Main Street for the annual Gila Valley Independence Day Parade hosted by the Safford Lions Club and the city. This year’s parade theme was ‘Let Freedom Ring’ and the Grand Marshal was Safford Mayor Jason Koutts.

It was the first parade for Safford’s new events manager, Mick Lewis, who said: “Next year we are looking at an even bigger Fourth of July celebration.

“I would like to thank the entire county for cheering us on,” he continued. “Thanks to the Lions Club of Safford for their sponsorship and to the City of Safford staff for their cooperation.”