Welcome to issue #13 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

The Fall Equinox has come and gone. So have the hurricane remnants. Now we enter the season that's the reason many people move to Southern Arizona. Let's get into it with lots of Fall fun, and I'll see you out there.

We are heading into a season of feasts and treats, so what better way to feel healthy through all those goodies than a workout that doubles as self-defense and self-discipline? Head to Alliance Jiujitsu at the Medella Vina Ranch for your free trial class, and mention your Trail Mix Passport to get a free gi when you sign up before December.

around town

My heart is bursting with appreciation for the incredible local businesses and organizations that sprinkle magic across our city, creating the events that make this season so vibrant. And, of course, to YOU for showing up here each week. Thank you for letting me share a little slice of our local joy with you.

Now here's how you can gain your own slice of joy around Southeast Arizona this Fall.

🌽 Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes: No fall is complete without a trip to a local pumpkin patch! Head out to Apple Annie's Orchard in Willcox or the Marana Pumpkin Patch, where you can pick your own pumpkins right from the vine. While you're there, don't miss their legendary corn mazes! Getting lost among the tall stalks is a rite of passage for many families in the area, offering laughs and memorable photos. Both of these spots are true staples for autumn festivities and a fantastic way to spend a sunny fall afternoon.

👻 Spooky Thrills (But Not Too Spooky): Trail Dust Town is excited to bring back Not Too Frightful Fridays! Head out every Friday through Halloween from 5 to 8 PM for no scare actors, no gore, just fun! The celebration includes $10 unlimited-ride wristbands good for the special Halloween train ride, the Ferris wheel, and the carousel. Don't miss the 5:30 PM mini costume parade around the gazebo (free to participate), the Pistolero’s Haunted Halloween show, and fall-themed drinks and snacks. Costumes are encouraged, and each weekend will feature different surprise characters!

☕️ Warm Up with a Local Coffee Treat: After all that outdoor fun, you'll want to warm up with a delicious fall-themed beverage. Our top picks for a cozy cuppa are Vail Coffee Stop and Caffeine Dealer. Both offer an array of comforting drinks, from spiced lattes to rich mochas, perfect for sipping as you reflect on your autumn adventures. Grab a specialty seasonal drink – you won't regret it!

🍿The Perfect Cozy Night In: Sometimes the best fall fun is found right at home. Create the ultimate cozy night with a few local treasures. First, stock up on all your favorite sweet treats at Candy World. From nostalgic classics to exciting new confections, they have everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Then, set the mood with a beautifully crafted candle from Raising Four Arrows. Their unique, locally made candles are perfect for adding warmth and a delightful aroma to your home, making those crisp fall evenings even more inviting.

Don't forget to download your Trail Mix Passport to save at Candy World, Vail Coffee Stop, Caffeine Dealer, and Raising Four Arrows!

cars and candy Did you know that every month, Candy World puts on a Cars and Candy show? This is a family-friendly event that welcomes all makes, models, and builds. Their next Cars & Candy event happens this Saturday from 5 PM to 7 PM in the Rita Ranch Safeway parking lot. Grab some Halloween treats and browse the cars on the street.

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Monday Night Food Truck Event It's Oktoberfest season! But that doesn't mean you have to be the one cooking up the brats. Head to Eden's Echo Farmstead for their Monday Night Food Truck event with Haus of Brats on Monday, October 20 from 4:30 PM - 7 PM. Eat, shop and save with your Trail Mix passport, and usher in the Fall season with classic flavors.

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new dates! Benson Butterfield Rodeo Last week's Benson Butterfield Rodeo got rained out, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun. Join in for two days of kids events and GCPRA rodeo fun at the Benson Butterfield Rodeo, now on October 24 and 25! Adults: $15 Children 7-12: $5 Kids 6 and under: Free

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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.

Hang an Advertisement on the Corkboard >

Canary (#A881560)
Female, white and black Alaskan Husky
Weight: Approximately 48 lbs.
Age: Approximately 4 years old
Canary is a delightful pup! When she first arrived at the shelter, she was a little nervous. But in the past couple of weeks, she has blossomed and shown that she is a gentle and sweet girl. She is easy leash, easy to walk, and easy to love!

Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12 pm - 7 pm. Wednesday 1:30 pm - 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

pumpkin mac and cheese

Looking for a fun way to infuse the flavors of fall in your kitchen without another sweet treat? Try this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. This recipe is both comfort food and health — and bonus! It's easy to prepare amid the chaos of sports, traditions, and the Fall season.

October 16

• It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

October 17

• Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• Wilmot's 60th Anniversary | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Tucson Meet Yourself | Downtown Tucson | 11 AM - 10 PM
• Create a Ghost | Park Place | 4 PM - 5 PM
• Not Too Frightful Fridays | Trail Dust Town | 5 PM - 8 PM
• Boo Bash | The Coalition Space (311 E. 7th St ) | 6 PM - 9 PM | Trick or treat, games, costumes encouraged, vendors, food, DJ, face painter

October 18

• Willcox Wine Festival | Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday | 8 AM - 6 PM
• Teddy Bear Check-Up | Reid Park Zoo | 9 AM - 12 PM
• Spooktacular Safety | Tucson Medical Center | 10 AM - 1 PM
• Pumpkin Splash | Eastern Hills Aquatic Club (EHAC) | 1 PM - 5 PM
• Creating Miniatures | The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures | 10 AM - 2 PM
• Tucson Meet Yourself | Downtown Tucson | 11 AM - 10 PM
• Boo Bash | Lincoln Regional Park | 5 PM - 8 PM
• Cars and Candy by CandyWorld | 9136 E Valencia Rd, Ste 130 | 5 PM - 7 PM

October 19

• Willcox Wine Festival | Willcox/Cochise KOA Holiday | 8 AM - 6 PM
• Tucson Meet Yourself | Downtown Tucson | 11 AM - 6 PM

October 21

• Family Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
• LEGO Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️

Submit Your Tip, Event, or Story Idea >>

school-friendly trail mix

By Just a Taste

• 1 cup Rice Chex cereal
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or mini M&Ms
• 1/4 cup roasted pepitas
• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup mini pretzels
• 1 cup Cheerios (plain, honey or chocolate)

In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients.

Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Sunrise: 6:27 AM

Sunset: 5:48 PM

The sun is rising 5 minutes later and setting 9 minutes earlier than last week.

Air Quality: Fair (20 AQI)

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (31%)

See you out there!

~ Kimberly
​Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman

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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!

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