by 
2018 Apache Leap Mining Festival Mining Competition. Photo by Todd Pryor
The theme for this year’s Apache Leap Mining Festival was “Women in Mining. From Pickaxe to Boardroom.” The top two parade prize winners went to the Gorham family who was celebrating over 115 years of women in their family who work in the mining industry and ASARCO who decorated an ATV as a pink hard hat. Third place went to Superior Dance Company for the folklorico dancers. This year’s Grand Marshal was Sydney Hay from AMIGOS.
The Chihuahua races were won by the top three ladies of the competition. Penny came in first, Mocha came in second and Ginger came in third place.
The mining competition was once again a big draw as hundreds gathered to watch the skill and speed of local miners. Winning in the competitions were:
Sawing: 1st Chris Liddle 16.22 seconds and 2nd James Verbois, 16.63 (these two fellows are engineering students at the U of A school of Mining).
Spiking: 1st Carlos Martinez 51.37, 2nd Chris Allison 54.12.
Mucking: 1st Adrian Armijo and Abraham Torres 39.34, 2nd Jesus Gonzalez and AJ Quiroz 39.44.
Drilling: 1st Carlos Martinez 41.47. 2nd Chris Allison 44.56. Overall Carlos Martinez 162.50 seconds. Total Winnings Awarded: $1,345.
On Sunday, there was a roping competition for both youth and adults. Winning the adult competitions were first place AJ Quiroz & Olivia Townsend, second place Abe and Victoria Arriola, Carlos Martinez Jr. and Abe. In the Junior competition the winners were Isabell Quiroz, Carlitos Martinez and JJ Gonzales. This event continues to grow in popularity each year.
While the theme of the festival celebrated Women, there was something for everyone to enjoy from the Blasting Zone Bar, vendors, plenty of food, carnival, guided hikes and plenty of entertainment. Saturday night closed out with the crowd dancing to the music of Powerdrive. The horseshoe tournament that benefited the Richard Castaneda Memorial Scholarship hosted 27 teams.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
by by