Somerton to host Greater Days parade, Food Festival on Saturday

The festivities begin at 8:30 a.m.

The City of Somerton is inviting residents and visitors to join the celebrations for the 106th Anniversary of its founding on Saturday.

The festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the traditional Somerton Greater Days parade on Main Street.

Valeria Castro, special events coordinator for the City of Somerton, announced that 29 groups, mostly from local schools, will take part in the cowboy-themed parade that will traverse Main Street from César Chávez Avenue to the east, to State Avenue.

The parade will feature three marching bands to entertain the crowd with their music: Somerton Middle School, Gadsden School District, and Gila Ridge High School.

“We expect many families because there will be groups from local schools. We invite you to come and enjoy the parade,” said Castro.

Among the non-school groups, there will be riders from Vaqueros del Valle and Saddles of Joy organization.

Mary Barkley was chosen as the Grand Marshal for the parade. She grew up in this community, studied here, and although she doesn’t reside in Somerton, she still visits frequently and cherishes her experiences here.

Castro added that at the end of the parade, at City Hall, the mayor and council members will cut a cake for the city’s anniversary to share with the public.

In the afternoon, the party will continue with the Food Festival starting at 5 p.m. at Council Avenue Park.

There will be over 40 food and snack stalls, as well as live music, in a program that will extend until midnight.

The events coordinator explained that the stalls will offer a variety of foods for sale, from tacos and corn on the cob to desserts and churros, all provided by local and area businesses.

There will also be a children’s area with free access and contests for the best tacos, Taco Throwdown, the best dessert, Sweet Tooth, and the best street food, Street Food, all judged by a panel.

Live music will be provided by Banda la 19, a local band specializing in the banda genre, followed by Los Cadetes de Memo Cavada, a Norteño music group, and to close, Los Moonlights, renowned for their romantic music.

Council Avenue Park is located at 801 Council Avenue, north of the city.

Castro reiterated the invitation to the public to support the groups participating in the Somerton Greater Days parade by attending Main Street to watch it and to enjoy the Food Festival in the afternoon, to get to know and support the businesses.

For more information, call (928) 722-7394.