Leo Manzano

By Glynis Crawford Smitih

The Highlander

At least 2,000 guests joined in the festival celebrating the anniversary of the City of Granite Shoals on Friday and Saturday, April 23-24. 

Evelyn Turner, 99, was the honored guest to blow out the birthday candle for the Granite Shoals 50th Year Bash opening Saturday. She and her husband bought land on Belaire East Drive in 1963 and they built the house she shares with her son now in 1980 and she still is active in Granite Shoals First Baptist Church.

By Mark Goodson

Highlander Sports Editor

Leo Manzano will be back in Granite Shoals on Saturday for a fun run and walk at the Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail as part of the 50th year celebration of Granite Shoals.

The fun run and walk starts at 9 a.m. and is open to both adults and children. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Manzano, the 1500-meter silver medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, is currently training for the 2016 Olympic Trials in Eguene, Oregon. Manzano said he always welcomes return trips to celebrate his roots in Granite Shoals.

"It's always exciting to have the support I get from my fans,'' Manzano said.

The Olympic Trials for the 1500 meters are July 7, 9, 11 at the University of Oregon.

Manzano won the silver medal in London with a time of 3:34.79.

The 2016 Olympics are Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiero, Brazil.