Get the FREE Local Fall Passport + Newsletter that Keeps You in the MixβοΈπ΅β‘οΈ
*FREE LOCAL FALL PASSPORT NOW AVAILABLE!* Download your passport with discounts, activities, and a chance to win prizes! Get on the list for the weekly newsletter that tells you the best of what's happening around Vail, Benson, and Sonoita each week β all delivered straight to your phone. New editions land on Thursdays at 7 am. ποΈ Subscribe FREE and your Local Fall Passport will be sent to your inbox within minutes! ‡οΈ
Share
π΅ Ready to Romp it Up?
Published 11 days agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
Welcome to issue #10 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
We're officially in double digits for this newsletter! When I first released it back in early July, I wasn't sure how it would go. Since then, I've heard from so many people in our community who love the stories and events shared each week.
Thanks for being part of this. I'm just getting started! Now let's get to it for this week.
β
caffeine dealer
β
You won't believe the number of flavor options at your local Caffeine Dealer! Head into this beloved coffee truck at the American Legion in Corona de Tucson, and check out all the delicious Fall beverages. Fuel up for the day and save when you use your Trail Mix Passport!
β
β
live music, local wine, and good vibes are coming!
Ready to Romp it Up? An epic five-day music and camping festival is coming to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Sonoita, where there will be live music, a local Sonoita wine tour, and a costume dance party.
Headlining and organizing the festivities are the well-known entertainers, The Border Hookups. This power couple lives full-time in their RV. Every winter, they come to stay in Sonoita, Arizona, where they bring the fun with them at Romp It Up and play several other shows at local venues and wineries throughout their season here!
This year, at Romp It Up, they will be joined by a diverse and talented roster of local musicians, including Billy Shaw Jr., Andy Hersey, Damon McLaughlin, PJ Bidwell, Terry Fox, Nathan Andrews, and Jeffrey Ofstedahl. With a mix of acoustic performances and high-energy shows, there will be a little something for everyone.
But the festival is more than just a concert series. Attendees will have a local wine tour, complete with bus transportation and special rates to sample some of the incredible wines from the Sonoita region. In the evenings, things will get lively with a costume dance party and a DJ night, ensuring the good vibes continue long after the live music ends. Plus, a variety of food trucks will be on-site to keep everyone fueled up and ready to party.
Romp It Up is a dry-camping event, so grab your RV and get ready to settle in beautiful wine country.
Whether you're a long-time fan of The Border Hookups or just looking for a new adventure, this festival is the perfect opportunity to camp in our backyard, meet some new people, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sonoita.
β
SAACA Sahuarita oktoberfest
Live performances, a German-style Beer Garden, food, and interactive activities for all ages at the inaugural Sahuarita Oktoberfest!
Friday, September 26 5:00 - 8:30 PM Sahuarita Lake Park All Ages | Free
This Saturday, September 27, get free admission into any National Park Service site in celebration of National Public Lands Day! Other fees, such as timed entry or reservation fees, may apply.
β
Fall Fun at Apple Annie's starts soon
Hereβs whatβs waiting for you starting September 27:
Fresh cider donuts and Orchard Grill open on weekends
βBakery & Fudge Kitchen is open every day with fresh pies, homemade fudge, and more
β
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.
Tapatio aka Frankie (#A880068) Male, blue and white Pit Bull Terrier Weight: Approximately 41.8 lbs. Age: Approximately 1 year old Frankie has been in the shelter since September 2, 2025. He's cat-friendly, loves any person he meets, and despite a dog attack, he wants to be friends with any dog he encounters. He's also housebroken.
Canela (#A872243) Spayed female, red ticked and white Queensland Heeler mix Weight: Approximately 42.2 lbs. Age: Approximately 4 years old. Canela is thriving in a foster home with other dogs. She is potty and kennel trained, stunning, intelligent, and loyal. According to her previous owner, she gets along with cats and children as well.
Daisy Mae (#A861721) Spayed female, fawn and white American Pit Bull Terrier Weight: Approximately 62 lbs. Age: Approximately 1 year, 8 months old. Daisy Mae is a sweet girl who spent some time in foster care after arriving at the shelter in rough shape. During her time in foster care, Daisy Mae was reportedly house- and crate-trained, and she knows commands such as sit, down, wait, leave it, and more. Daisy Mae forms a deep bond with her people and is a snuggle bug who loves to be petted and stay close to her humans. She loves bones and Kongs and is very food motivated. Her foster described her as very gentle and said that she loves to be praised and will make a great companion.
Tootsie (#A880254) Female, tortie Domestic Shorthair Weight: Approximately 5.47 lbs. Age: Approximately 4 months old. Tootsie is still new to human kindness. She grew up in a large outdoor colony, so people are unfamiliar and a little intimidating. Sheβs not a lap kitten, but she is curious enough to come forward for squeezy treats, which is a great first step.
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
β
β
Carving Pumpkins already? Why not? π€·ββοΈ
Last week, it was a 50/50 split on whether you think it was too early to decorate for Halloween. For those of you already fully immersed in all things Fall, one thing you might be doing is heading to the pumpkin patch. After all, Apple Annie's pumpkin patch and corn maze are already open! And when you get home, you'll want to carve those pumpkins. Here are a few tips on how to help them withstand the heat and last until Halloween night (if you can stave off the javelina until then).
Cut the bottom of the pumpkin, not the top. Cutting the stem can cause the pumpkin to rot faster.
Put some muscle into your scraping process, thinning the interior walls of the pumpkin to about a 1/2 inch thickness.
Carve your pumpkin soon after you pick it, and then spray it with 8 oz. of water, 1 tbsp of peppermint soap, and 6 drops of peppermint oil. Or, you can spray it with white vinegar and then slather on petroleum jelly to the cut areas.
β
September 25
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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.
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!
Get the FREE Local Fall Passport + Newsletter that Keeps You in the MixβοΈπ΅β‘οΈ
Discover the people, places, history, and happenings in Vail, Benson, and Sonoita.
*FREE LOCAL FALL PASSPORT NOW AVAILABLE!* Download your passport with discounts, activities, and a chance to win prizes! Get on the list for the weekly newsletter that tells you the best of what's happening around Vail, Benson, and Sonoita each week β all delivered straight to your phone. New editions land on Thursdays at 7 am. ποΈ Subscribe FREE and your Local Fall Passport will be sent to your inbox within minutes! ‡οΈ
Read more from Get the FREE Local Fall Passport + Newsletter that Keeps You in the MixβοΈπ΅β‘οΈ
Welcome to issue #11 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona. Welcome back! We've had some beautiful rain and cooler temps. I hope you've had a chance to step outside. Fall is here, and we have your roundup of the events lined up to help you soak it all in. But first, there are a few things you should be aware of as you head out now that the government has shut down. Let's get into it. raising four arrows Nothing screams Fall...
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...
Welcome to issue #8 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona. How are you feeling today? It's my hope that these weekly newsletters are relaxing, refreshing, and renewing. I'm glad you're here. Let's get into it! Vail Coffee Stop Teachers! Stop by Vail Coffee Stop today (September 11) and tomorrow (September 12) and save 25% off your drinks. Not a teacher? You can still save 10% every day through November with your Trail Mix...
