Welcome to issue #9 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

Come on in. This weekend is slammed with events! After the heavy week we've had, now is the perfect time to come together as a community. I hope to see you out there.

EDEN's Echo Farmstead

From candied pecans, coffee, and crafts to devotionals, jams, and non-toxic detergents, Eden's Echo Farmstead is one of those quaint, can't-miss shops. Enter into a store that perfectly captures rural living at its best and save when you bring in your Trail Mix passport!

Take a look. It's in a book, at the book block party.

In 2020, a special desire fell on the heart of Kristin Gudenkauf, a bestselling author and the Co-Founder of Baby Rex Productions and Next Chapter Strategies. She wanted to make sure kids still found the magic in reading, even when playgrounds and libraries were closed. So, she created a virtual pajama party where local authors read their stories to kids while in the comfort of pajamas and at home.

The idea was simple, and it was a hit, so when the world opened up again, she brought the idea to life. More specifically, she brought this love of literacy between the tracks for the Book Block Party.

This weekend marks the 3rd Annual Book Block Party! And this isn't your average book festival. You won't find a bunch of authors hawking their latest titles and pressuring you to buy, buy, buy. Instead, the Book Block Party's focus is on something far more special: sharing the joy of reading.

This Saturday, you're invited to a FREE celebration of all things literary. Every child who attends gets to take home free books donated by local Book Heroes. There will be live author readings, special storytimes, activities from community organizations, food trucks (including Vail Coffee Stop and Winston Brothers BBQ where you can save using your Trail Mix Passport), a car show, games, giveaways, a LARGE kids' book exchange, and more!

The Book Block Party feels like a living, breathing library that has spilled out between the tracks with an open invitation for you to come inside.

Get in on the bookish fun this Saturday, September 20, from 4 PM to 7 PM between the tracks!

corona classic cars & coffee

Corona Classic Cars will be hosting their car show and have extended an invitation to Caffeine Dealer to join them for their September event. Grab your Trail Mix Passport and save as you fuel up this Saturday from 8 AM - 10 AM at the ​American Legion McCulloch-Wagner POST 109​ with a local coffee and pastry.

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.

Rambo (#A843488)

Weight: I weigh approximately 80.2 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff thinks I am about 3 years old.
Rambo is an example of why fostering is important. At the shelter he is nervous and shy, but in foster care he really got to show his sweet and affectionate personality! Rambo is an ultimate Velcro dog, cuddly, loyal, and always aware of his humans’ moods. The happiest morning zoomies? Check. Calm movie night snuggles on the couch? Absolutely. Little quirks like giving you his paw at just the right moment or showing off his speckled belly to beg for pets? Pure heart-stealers.

Viola (#A880454)

Weight: I weigh approximately 33.4 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff thinks I am about 10 months old.
Viola is the sweetest little cuddle bug, who loves balls, car rides, and giving lots of love and kisses. She has the cutest snore and the prettiest green eyes. She just spent some time in a foster home and loved relaxing!

Cheyenne (#A852181)

Weight: I weigh approximately 70.5 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff thinks I am about 3 years old.
Cheyenne has been at PACC for 286 days — that’s 286 days of waiting, watching, and hoping her person will come for her. She’s a gentle, sweet soul who LOVES walks, playtime, and snuggles. In her previous home, she did wonderfully with kids and other dogs. Volunteers say she takes treats like a lady, has the cutest sit, and warms up so sweetly when she knows she can trust you. Once she relaxes, she just melts into gentle pets and chin rubs. She even shares her kennel with another pup and has been tolerant and independent in playgroup — a real testament to her kind spirit!

Gardenia (#A856502)

Weight: I weigh approximately 9.68 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff thinks I am about 4 years old.
Gardenia is currently in foster care, but she is available for adoption! She LOVES to be brushed. She’s affectionate and a real couch potato! Email PACC.AdoptAFoster@pima.gov if you're interested in adopting her.

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

It's fall y'all!

Let your voice be heard.

September 18

• Storytime: Pet Parade! | Vail Christian Church | 9 AM - 10 AM
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• ​End of Summer RV Sale Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM
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• It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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• ​Jumanji: The Game Begins! | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
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• Bingo returns to the Legion! The event will kick off with an '80s theme. Dinner for purchase will be available starting at 5:30, Bingo Card sales begin at 6:00, and Game calling starts at 7:00. This event is open to the public. | American Legion Post 109 - 15921 S Houghton, Corona de Tucson
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• Prayer Support | Join in prayer for our fallen brother and his family, and for our country and the unity of the church. | Vail Christian Church | 6 PM - 8 PM

September 19

• ​End of Summer RV Sale Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM
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• Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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• Vail Preservation Society Fundraiser | Vail Coffee Stop | 4 PM to 8 PM

September 20

• ​Corona Classic Cars & Coffee | Bring your Trail Mix Passport and grab a drink from Caffeine Dealer while you enjoy the Classic Cars! | American Legion Post 109 - 15921 S Houghton, Corona de Tucson | 8 AM - 10 AM
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• ​Rustic Roots Farmers Market in Rita Ranch | Join dozens of kid entrepreneurs from Homeschool Underground as they set up shop to share what they've been working hard on in their entrepreneur unit! | Tractor Supply in Rita Ranch | 8 AM to Noon
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• ​Classic Cars Off Main Car Show | 435 N Adams St, Benson, AZ 85602 | 8 AM - 2 PM
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• ​Throw Shade Tree Fest | Four Arrows Garden | 9 AM to 2 PM
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• ​End of Summer RV Sale Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM
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• ​8th Annual Lantern Festival | San Pedro Golf Course in Benson, Arizona | 3 PM
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• ​Book Block Party | Between the Tracks | 4 PM to 7 PM
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• ​Last Splash of Summer | Tucson Military Vehicle Museum | 4 PM - 7 PM
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• ​Desert Music Project Live | Rune Wines | 4:45 PM - 6:45 PM

September 21

• ​End of Summer RV Sale Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM
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• ​Charlie Kirk Memorial | Sonoita Bible Church | 12 PM
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September 23

• LEGO Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

September 24

• Toddler Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM

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

Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix

​By Inspired by Charm​

• 3 cups peanut butter corn cereal squares (Peanut Butter Chex Cereal)
• 1 cup peanut butter candy pieces (Reeses Pieces)
• 1 cup candy corn
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 cups honey nut o’s cereal (Honey Nut Cheerios)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese crackers (Cheez-its)
• 2 cups bite-size pretzels
• 2 cups wheat cereal squares (Wheat Chex Cereal)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees

Line baking sheets with Parchment paper

Toss together corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and honey nut o's cereal.

Melt butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon.

Pour over snack mix and stir to coat.

Bake for 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Cool completely and add in marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter pieces.

Sunrise: 6:08 AM

Sunset: 6:24 PM

The sun is rising 4 minutes later and setting 9 minutes earlier than last week.

Air Quality: Fair (22 AQI)

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (18.3%)

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!