
Families and science enthusiasts can experience hands-on learning at the annual Gila Valley Health and STEAM Festival held at Eastern Arizona College. The event is free and open to the public on Friday, Feb. 21, from 4 – 8 p.m. at EAC’s Discovery Park Campus and on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the EAC Thatcher campus, with blood draws available from 7-11 a.m.
Friday’s activities at EAC Discovery Park include 26 interactive exhibits designed for all ages. Attendees can explore the Star Lab Planetarium, witness Van de Graaff generator demonstrations, and participate in hands-on science experiments presented by the Safford Library and Freeport-McMoRan. The Gov Aker Observatory will also be open for stargazing. Food vendors will be on-site, including Meg’s Place and Mike’s Shiver Shack.
Saturday’s events begin with the Go Gold 1-mile and 5K Color Runs, benefiting Nathaniel’s Childhood Cancer Foundation. Throughout the morning, visitors can explore the Freeport haul truck simulator, participate in health screenings, and tour EAC’s Allied Health and STEAM facilities. Food vendors for Saturday’s events include Auntie Hua’s Waffle Truck, Bee’s Kitchen, J&J’s Kettlecorn Express, and Mike’s Shiver Shack.
“The Gila Valley Health and STEAM Festival is a fantastic opportunity for the community to engage with science and health in a fun, interactive way,” said Aaron Burk, EAC dean of STEM and allied health. “We’re excited to showcase the real-world applications of these fields and inspire learners of all ages.”
This event is sponsored by: AirEvac Services, Inc., CMI, The City of Safford, Eastern Arizona College, Eastern Arizona Science Initiative, First Things First, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Mount Graham Regional Medical Center, University of Arizona College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Graham County
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