Somerton to celebrate founding with parade, block party

A parade with cowboys, classic cars and award-winning marching bands. A block party with live music, dancing, food and drink.

These are elements of a good party, which will just about guarantee a good time at Somerton's celebration of the 115th anniversary of its founding this Saturday. Organizers of the Somerton Greater Days Parade and Block Party are betting on it.

“Somerton was founded as a township in 1898. We throw a city celebration every year in the spring,” Shaun Cassidy, economic development director, said.

“The celebration has gotten much bigger in recent years, but it's still kept that friendly, small-town feel,” he added.

The city is inviting all of Yuma County to this year's celebration. The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Main Street between Cesar Chavez Avenue and State Avenue.

Parade entrants this year include Vaqueros Del Valle, Gadsden Marching Band, Foothills Shriners, Somerton Band, Nostalgia Car Club and many other groups. Taking their place as dignitaries will be the city's mayor and council as well as Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot.

The block party will take place from 6-11 p.m. on State Avenue, just off Main Street. It will feature a wide variety of regional food and drink.

The live entertainment this year includes Grupo Salmar, Mariachi Gadsden and Ritmo Express.

For more information, contact Cassidy at shaunc@cityofsomerton.com or 928-502-9165.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 928-539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.