Alvin M. Keeling 
GRAHAM COUNTY – Plans are in place for Independence Day celebrations in the Gila Valley.
The Town of Thatcher will kick things off on Monday, July 4 with its Fire Department Wake at 6:30 a.m., followed by the People’s Parade at 7 a.m., starting at Thatcher High School.
The parade will travel from the high school north on Third Avenue to Church Street, west on Church Street to Stadium Avenue, south on Stadium Avenue and end at Thatcher Splash Pad for the party program. independence. The program will include flag raising, speeches and music, a parachute candy drop, bouncy castles and a pancake breakfast served by the city council and other volunteers.
Also starting at 7 a.m. Monday will be the annual 4th of July Town of Pima Breakfast. The meal of pancakes, eggs and bacon will be served at Pioneer Park starting at 7 a.m. The cost is $3 per person, with veterans and active duty military free.
“I think the 4th of July is a family holiday in many ways,” said Mayor Dale Rogers. “So I don’t know if we need a big event besides breakfast and fireworks. I think what needs to be done is done.
The event is sponsored by the city and the Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society.
In Safford, a patriotic program will begin at 9:45 a.m. outside the Graham County Courthouse, followed by the Gila Valley July 4 parade down Main Street at 10 a.m.
Back in Pima, entry to the pool will be free for residents during regular pool hours, 1-5pm.
At sunset, fireworks can be viewed at both Pima and Safford.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 11:37 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2002, to change the date of Pima’s Holiday Breakfast from July 2 to July 2.
