Welcome to issue #15 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Come on in. As always, I have a bunch in here for you to enjoy. Be sure to answer the poll at the bottom of the email too! I'll see ya out there.
TOGETHER WITH
WINSTON BROTHERS BBQ
What's for breakfast this weekend? If you're looking for rich flavors and savory treats, head over to Winston Brothers BBQ between the tracks for breakfast starting at 8 am. Bring your Trail Mix passport and save! Stay close to their Facebook page for all the updates on when and where their food truck will be next.
Field Report
RESOURCES VAIL FOOD BANK NEEDS YOUR HELP
As we move into a season for connection, warmth, and shared meals, we are facing a difficult reality right here in Southern Arizona. In addition to the already heightened need for food resources during the holidays, the ongoing federal government shutdown could freeze SNAP benefits, placing even greater strain on local food banks.
Food banks across our region, including our greater Vail area dedicated ReSources Vail Food Bank, are preparing for an unprecedented surge in demand. Here are the ways that ReSources is asking for added support during this time:
Donate Food: The ReSources Vail Food Bank, located at 13105 E Colossal Cave Road, always welcomes non-perishable items. Check their website for their most needed items, which often include canned proteins, instant oatmeal, and pantry staples.
Set Up a Food Drive: Rally your workplace, social group, church, or neighborhood to set up a food drive and gather donations.
Go Shopping: The Vail Depot Thrift Store lets you shop for fun finds while giving back. Proceeds from the Vail Depot help cover the food bank's operating costs.
Donate Financially: In addition to monthly food distributions, ReSources is providing each household with a $10 grocery store gift card.
Become an Angel Donor: ReSources is seeking an angel donor to match the $8,000 needed to provide gift cards for every family served. That angel donation would double the impact, allowing each household to receive a $20 gift card.
You can donate directly at www.resourcesvail.org or reach out to Executive Director Callie Tippett at 520-210-7415.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
EMPIRE RANCH COWBOY FESTIVAL
The Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival is the Foundation’s annual public event celebrating Arizona’s Western history and culture, and it kicks off this Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM. The Cowboy Festival also showcases the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Empire Ranch Foundation’s efforts to preserve the Empire Ranch for future generations. Each year, more than 2,000 visitors come to the ranch to enjoy Western heritage demonstrations, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking, and Western entertainment.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING STARTS NOW
Buy 2, Get 2 FREE at Eden's Echo Farmstead!
Mix and match your favorites — for every two items you purchase, you’ll get two (of equal or lesser value) absolutely free! PLUS: Get a $10 Gift Card for Every $100 Spent (pre-tax) — no limits on BOGO or gift cards!
It’s the perfect time to stock up for the holidays, grab gifts, and enjoy incredible savings while we make room for our fresh new look. Come shop, save, and celebrate this exciting new chapter for the store!
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to give a shout out to one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.
PET OF THE WEEK
Priscilla (#A883019)
Spayed Female
Weight: Approximately 54.5 lbs.
Age: Approximately 6 years old
You want a couch potato who won't need long walks? Here she is! Priscilla loves to lie down when comfortable and might try to get into your lap! She hasn’t met a stranger and currently shares a kennel with a friend down at the shelter. She rides nicely in the car and will gently take food from your hand if you offer it.
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
HOME ON THE RANGE
CREATING A HOME OFRENDA
Setting up a family ofrenda (altar) for Día de los Muertos is a heartfelt tradition that honors lost loved ones and creates a welcoming space for their spirits to visit.
To begin, choose a surface and cover it with a vibrant cloth, often placed at three levels to represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. Then add in photos of those you wish to remember, along with flickering candles to guide their way. Add their favorite food and drink (like water, coffee, or treats), bright marigold flowers to use their scent to lead the souls home, and sugar skulls to represent the life and personality of the deceased.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
October 30
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Howl-O-Wine! Trick or Treating for Dogs | Charron Vineyards | 11 AM - 7 PM
Halloween Trunk or Treat! | Secrist Middle School | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
October 31
Special Event: Costume Storytime & Parade | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Special Event: Costume Parade! | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Howl-O-Wine! Trick or Treating for Dogs | Charron Vineyards | 11 AM - 7 PM
November 1
2nd Annual Pet Expo | Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago | 9 AM
Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival | 10 AM - 4 PM | Empire Ranch Foundation
Spirits Festival | 4EVR Ranch | 2 PM - 8 PM
November 2
Brew-zy Brunch | Copper Brothel Brewery | 9 AM - Noon
Super Chevy Sunday | Tucson Dragway | 9 AM - 4 PM
Live Music With Andy Hersey | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
November 4
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
November 5
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10 AM - 11 AM
Toddler Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
SNACK BREAK
peptias
1 whole pumpkin, gutted
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Any spices you like (cayenne, cinnamon, etc.)
As you gut the pumpkins, keep all the seeds and guts in a bowl. Rinse them in a colander under cold water, pulling away the chunks of pulp as you go. Spread the rinsed seeds out on a baking sheet.
Allow the seeds to dry for several hours or overnight. And beware: they’re quite sticky/slimy, so don’t place them on paper towels! Just leave ‘em on the baking sheet and they'll be fine.
When they’re nice and dry, preheat the oven to 250°F.
Begin by drizzling the seeds with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Use your fingers to toss the seeds around to coat. Then season the seeds with salt to taste.
Pop ‘em in the oven and roast until the seeds are light golden brown, about 1 hour. Let them cool for a few minutes, then let the snacking begin! Pepitas need to be stored in an airtight container if they last beyond the first day.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 6:38 AM
Sunset: 5:34 PM
The sun is rising 6 minutes later and setting 7 minutes earlier than last week.
Air Quality: Fair (24 AQI)
Moon Phase: First Quarter (48.7%)
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman