8:30 PM

Graham County Fairgrounds New Soccer Fields

Part of Gila Valley 250

Celebrate 250 years of freedom in the Gila Valley with fireworks. Enjoy vendors and free popsicles provided by the Gila Valley 250 Committee.

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Splash Pad · 3883 W Ballpark St, Thatcher, AZ 85552

Part of Gila Valley 250

About This Event Join the Town of Thatcher and presenting sponsor Big Buckle Roofing LLC for the Eastern Arizona College Splash Pad Party on Independence Day from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The Thatcher Fire Department will kick off the event with a fun community spray down. Cool off at the splash pad, enjoy family-friendly activities, and take advantage of complimentary hot dog meals generously sponsored by Food City. Hot dog meals will be available for the first 600–800 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Children can also enjoy FREE face painting throughout the event. Bring your family, celebrate Independence Day, and enjoy an afternoon of summer fun in Thatcher! Photo Courtesy of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce

6:00 PM-11:00 PM

Graham County Fairgrounds New Soccer Fields

Part of Gila Valley 250

Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of music, food, and community celebration at the Gila Valley 250 Music, Food Trucks, and Popsicles event. Presented by the Graham County Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Graham County, the festivities begin at 6 p.m. as food trucks open for dinner service and live music takes the main stage. At 7:30 p.m., the JustServe America250 Heart of Service Awards will recognize outstanding volunteers and organizations whose service has strengthened communities across Graham and Greenlee counties. At 7:45 p.m., enjoy a live performance by the ZGF Band, presented by Energy Transfer, featuring dance music, party favorites, and crowd-pleasing hits leading up to the fireworks show. The Freeport-McMoRan Fireworks Spectacular will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., lighting up the sky in celebration of Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary. Following the fireworks finale, the ZGF Band will return to the stage for a live music and dancing encore, presented by Energy Transfer, keeping the celebration going late into the evening. Complimentary popsicles will be available while supplies last.

9:00 AM-3:03 PM

St. Vincent de Paul · 221 E Main St., Safford, AZ 85546

St. Vincent de Paul will host a series of Back-to-School Time events this summer to help local children prepare for the upcoming school year. The events will take place at St. Vincent de Paul, located at 221 E. Main St. in Safford, on June 15, July 6 and July 27 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Services are available for preschool-aged children through school-aged students. Organizers noted that parent and child identification will be required and that each child may participate one time only. Each child attending will receive: • New shoes • New socks • New underwear Children will also have the opportunity to choose additional donated items while supplies last, including: • Tops • Pants • Dresses • Jackets • Sweaters • Books Please note that this service will not be available on Mondays outside of the listed event dates.

5:00 AM-9:30 AM

Duck Ponds · 527 Armory Rd, Safford, AZ 85546

Part of Gila Valley 250

The Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32, and American Legion Post 95 are teaming up for a special Independence Day celebration. They will host the annual Moe Villalba Sr. Fishing Derby at the duck ponds at the Graham County Fairgrounds on July 4th from 6 to 11 a.m. The event is free for all children and will feature prizes in multiple age categories. Children will also receive refreshments. Photo courtesy of Eastern Arizona Courier.