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.

5:30 AM

Parade Route

Part of Gila Valley 250

The People’s Parade is a family-focused Independence Day tradition celebrating community participation in the Gila Valley 250 4th of July festivities. The parade features decorated bicycles, walking families, and informal community entries such as the Gila Valley Freedom Band. The event is intentionally non-commercial and non-political, with no organizational entries or political participation allowed. It is designed as a simple, open, and family-friendly celebration with no registration required, making it easy for children and families to participate safely and creatively. Photo Courtesy of David Bell, News Director at Double R Communications.

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.

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.

5:00 AM

Town of Thatcher

Part of Gila Valley 250

A patriotic early-morning wake up across the Gila Valley. Photo courtesy of Thatcher Fire Department.