Welcome to issue #6 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Howdy, my favorite buckaroo!
Ride on in and sit a spell. No preamble or ramblings today because I'm channeling my inner cowboy. Today, we're just going to jump right into the arena. Enjoy and reach out anytime to say hi, and I'll see you out there.
Fall fun STARTS MONDAY!
Check your inbox on September 1 for a special and FREE local passport featuring Fall activities, discounts to local businesses, and a chance to win a few local prizes. You don't have to do anything extra to get it. You're already on the list for this FREE local passport.
BONUS: Want to be that friend who always seems to have the scoop on cool things happening in our area? Use your exclusive invite link and post on social media. You'll earn points to get Trail Mix swag when you do. Copy and paste this to share on social media, in your group text, or with the neighborhood watch chat.
Copy and paste this on Facebook and share why you love being in the Mix:
[RH_REFLINK GOES HERE]
What You Need to Know About the 110th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona
If you've never attended the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo, you're missing out on a classic event in our area.
In true cowboy style, this rodeo, dubbed The Best Little Rodeo in Arizona, didn't begin with a big-name promoter coming to a small town. Instead, it got started with the grit and good-natured rivalry of Arizona’s early cattlemen.
Back in the days when the West was truly wild, ranching was still a tough business, and the cowboys who worked the land were looking for any excuse to prove their mettle. Unofficial horse races and competitions to see who had the best working ranch horse started popping up as far back as 1915. It was a chance to show off their skills, settle some friendly bets, and connect with neighbors from across the vast, open range. This tradition, born from a simple desire for friendly competition, laid the groundwork for what would become "the Best Little Rodeo in Arizona."
In 1939, that spark of informal competition caught fire and became the Sonoita Quarter Horse Show. It was here that legendary horses from the region would compete and gain national attention. Over the decades, the event grew into the celebrated Labor Day Rodeo, a multi-day hoedown that honors the very spirit of the West. It's a place where the past and present of cowboy culture collide, and where the original traditions of ranch life are preserved.
What can you expect from this year's rodeo?
This year, the Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo promises over 700 contestants competing in classic timed events, such as team roping and barrel racing. It’s a showcase of skill and daring, where both seasoned pros and up-and-coming cowpokes vie for cash and coveted buckles.
Junior rodeo starts at noon daily, and the main performances begin at 2 PM. Saturday is First Responder Appreciation Day. Sunday is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" day. And on Monday, it's Military Appreciation Day, where our service members receive $10 admission with a valid Military ID.
The atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the events themselves, featuring a steak fry, live music, and numerous vendors selling everything from Western wear to delicious food. It’s a true celebration of community and heritage, a place where families gather to enjoy the timeless thrill of a good old-fashioned rodeo.
Trail Mix is proud to be a community Book Hero for the Book Block Party! Mark your calendar for the upcoming Book Block Party and head over to grab your free books while enjoying free literacy-focused activities from local organizations! If you'd like to be a Book Hero and donate books to our community, email babyrexproductions@gmail.com
Blake’s Lemonade is serving up $500 worth of FREE lemonade for our amazing community this Sunday, 8/31/25, from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Argenziano's Parking Lot! 🥤 One per person, while supplies last. And here’s the best part! For every additional lemonade sold, Blake is donating $1 to help pay off unpaid lunch balances at her school. Let’s rally behind this young entrepreneur and support an incredible cause!
- Mark Your Calendar! Get FREE admission to a historical day of fun at the 4th annual Constitution Day Celebration on September 13th from 10 AM - 1 PM. Revolutionary era costume parade, live music, games, booth vendors, a special flyover, and a hot dog lunch!
- Summit Hut is closing its doors after 55 years of helping Arizonans get out and explore. I'm sad. You're sad. Let's help show them a final swell of love by shopping their 30% off everything close-out sale starting tomorrow.
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to shout out one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.
Meet MORGAN (ID# A874711)
Age: 3 years old
Morgan was terrified when he first arrived at PACC, but thanks to staff and volunteers, he's making huge steps forward and showing more of his sweet personality every day! Morgan is learning to enjoy treats, walk nicely on leash, and even shows off happy zoomies in the play yard with his doggy friends. With a patient family by his side, Morgan is more than ready to trade the shelter life for a loving home.
Fee: Morgan is free to adopt. He is spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccines.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm - 7pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm
Looking for a staycation or a place to recommend to visiting family? Check out The Elgin Project.
The Elgin Project is referred to as a "project" due to its nearly full-body renovation. What was once barely held together by duct tape is now a warm and thoughtfully designed home base for exploring the best of Southern Arizona.
This beautiful Airbnb in Elgin was purchased in 2022 when it was on its last legs. Owners Jessica (a Speech Language Pathologist by day) and Christopher (Artisanal Tortilla Factory Owner by day) bought the home with the intention of remodeling it within about 3-4 months before listing it. However, this project went a little longer than anticipated (just as most home renovations in my own house do, too). Just look at some of the hilarious happenings that took place behind the scenes of what's now a beautiful home for rent:
- Countless hours of YouTube videos.
- Late-night phone tutorials on how to caulk, strip tile, catch mice, repel skunks, and get rid of the mothballs that were placed to get rid of the skunk, but smelled even worse.
- A tight squeeze through the doggy door after Jessica locked herself out.
- A month of non-stop help from her father, Gary, with a few nights of no electricity as the house was rewired to come up to code.
- Having to run to the garage for all foodstuffs because the fridge in the house was about to blow up.
- Discovering that oil-based paint doesn’t just wash off your hands.
- Taking the advice of Jessica's parents to use gasoline to clean the paint off your hands and face, and realizing that it is very, very bad advice.
- Remembering, as the spray paint nozzle explodes in your eyes, that your safety glasses are still on top of your head.
Literal blood, sweat, and countless tears have been shed in the execution of this little project, and they know they aren’t done just yet. Keep this local Airbnb on your radar and follow along their renovation journey on Instagram!
August 29
- Tucson Comic-Con | Tucson Convention Center | 2 PM - 7 PM
August 30
- Corona Cars and Coffee | 10072 E Old Vail Rd (Home Depot Parking Lot) | 7 AM - 10 AM
- Junior Zoo Keeper | Reid Park Zoo | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- 110th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo | First Responder Appreciation Day | Gates Open at 10 AM
- Tucson Comic-Con | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 6 PM
- Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Classic Car Show | Little Anthony's Diner | 4 PM - 9 PM
- Steak Fry and Dance | Sonoita Fairgrounds | 5 PM
- Rodeo Weekend | Copper Brothel | 6 PM to 9 PM
August 31
- 110th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo | Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day | Gates Open at 10 AM
- Tucson Comic-Con | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 5 PM
- Blake's Lemonade Stand | Argenziano's Parking Lot | 11 AM - 1 PM
- Steak Fry and Dance | Sonoita Fairgrounds | 5 PM
- Rodeo Weekend | Copper Brothel | 6 PM to 9 PM
LABOR DAY: September 1
- TMC Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8 Miler/5K | Saguaro National Park East | 5 AM - 9 AM
- 110th Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo | Military Appreciation Day | Gates Open at 10 AM
September 2
- Lego Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library
September 3
- Garden Story Time | Tucson Botanical Gardens | 10 AM
Want to add your upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar?
- M&Ms
- Chocolate chips (or peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, let your creativity go wild)
- Pretzels
- Goldfish crackers
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Cheerios
- Mini swedish fish
Set all ingredients out.
Give the kids a paper bag.
Let them make their own trail mix!
Sunrise: 5:56 AM
Sunset: 6:51 PM
Air Quality: Excellent (19 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
See you out there!
~ Kimberly
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman
 |
Share with friends, get cool stuff! |
Have friends in Southern Arizona who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome reward when they subscribe. |
[RH_REFLINK GOES HERE] |
|
PS: You have referred [RH_TOTREF GOES HERE] people so far |
|
| ⚡️ by SparkLoop |
|
Ready to shout your business name from the Vail, Benson, and Sonoita rooftops? Have a fun event to share and want to attach your flyer to the Mix? Have a home you want to show off in the Home on the Range section? Selling something big like an RV or piece of land? Want to share your Airbnb? This is the spot to do it!