🌵 Pre-Valentine’s Magic at Purple Heart Park!

Welcome to issue #29 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

Hope your week is going smoothly so far! Over here, we’re feeling the love as we gear up for Valentine’s weekend. Whether you're looking to surprise someone special, spend quality time with the family, or just find an excuse to enjoy the fresh desert air, we’ve got you covered. From a globetrotting Santa visit to gem show fun and Valentine’s Day romance, there is plenty happening around our community this week, and we're here to help you sort through it all.

~ Kimberly

In Partnership With:

Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re already mapping out your family camping trips, you know those popular spots fill up fast! Skip the "Sold Out" signs this year with CurbNTurf. This clever community platform connects RV travelers with unique private land, from scenic "turf" like ranches and vineyards to convenient urban "curbs," making it easier than ever to find a one-of-a-kind place to park your rig. Whether you’re hunting for mountain views in cooler temps or just a reliable spot to rest, check out CurbNTurf today to lock in your summer adventures before the rush!

Field Report

Pre-Valentine’s Magic at Purple Heart Park!

Who says the man in the red suit only works in December? This Friday, February 13th, from 2 PM to 5 PM, a little bit of North Pole magic is stopping by Purple Heart Park, and you’re invited!

Welcome #SantasAbout, a traveling organization on a mission to spread the spirit of the Claus family worldwide.

After years of bringing cheer to families across the map, including a recent month-long stay in Dubai, they’ve seen firsthand how the joy of Santa can melt away barriers and unite people of all backgrounds. Now, they are traveling the world full-time to document their adventures and plant seeds of kindness wherever they land.

This Friday’s event in Vail reflects that mission. For a few intentional hours, #SantasAbout hopes kids and parents alike feel genuinely loved and appreciated. Through simple outdoor games, a hands-on science Valentine in which secret messages are revealed, and time spent laughing with Santa and Mrs. Claus, they aim to plant a small but powerful seed: kindness is something you can give freely, and it’s always worth paying forward.

This event is just as much for parents as for children. Raising kind, curious, grounded humans is no small task, and #SantasAbout wants to remind families that meaningful moments don’t require big budgets — just presence, intention, and a little imagination.

This celebration also marks their inaugural event as full-time traveling Santa and Mrs. Claus. After all, what do Santa and Mrs. Claus do when they’re not at the North Pole preparing for Christmas? You’re invited to come find out, celebrate Valentine’s Day Santa-style, and be part of something joyful and uplifting.

Follow Santas About

PET OF THE WEEK

Natasha - A883825
Spayed female, tan and white Pit Bull Terrier mix

Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Weight: approximately 72 lbs.
Age: about 2 years and 4 months old.

Natasha spent a bit of time in a foster home, where PACC learned she was a quiet houseguest who did well with other dogs, she liked to sleep close to her foster person at night, is house-trained and well-behaved when left home alone, she loves stuffy toys, and is friendly, cuddly, and energetic. Natasha has been social and playful when meeting other dogs in playgroup; she’d like to meet any resident dogs before heading home to ensure a good fit.

THE CORKBOARD

Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.

Date Night at PACC?

Ready to find your "fur-ever" Valentine? PACC is staying open late until 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 14th, for their Late Night Date Night adoption event, where all pets are free to adopt. You’ll even snag a bag of goodies while supplies last!

Looking for Things to Do This Valentine’s Day?

Whether you’re looking to impress a date, treat the kids to something other than chicken nuggets, or just find a good excuse to drink world-class wine in your own backyard, we’ve curated the ultimate local cheat sheet. From underground caverns to over-the-top steaks, here is how to win Valentine’s Day, local-style.

Vail Pride Day This Saturday!

Head out and celebrate our amazing community at Vail Pride Day this Saturday at the Pima County Fairgrounds! Hosted by the Vail School District, it’s a day packed with student awards, school booths, and a whole lot of local spirit that shows exactly why we’re so proud to live and learn in Vail.

Futurepreneur LIVE!

Ready to inspire the next generation of local CEOs? Futurepreneur Live is heading to Tucson this Sunday, February 15th, to give kids and teens the tools and confidence to turn their big ideas into real-world businesses. It’s an empowering day of mentorship and hands-on activities—plus, parents get to attend for free!

HOME ON THE RANGE

Welcome to an updated Home on the Range section. It’s here where we drink our coffee together on the porch as we talk about what it’s like to live in the desert.

If you have a home, Airbnb, or desert living tip you’d like to highlight, secure your spot here.

Sonoran Sweethearts

Humans aren't the only ones feeling the love in Vail this week! While we’re busy making dinner reservations, our wild neighbors are already deep into their own romantic season. If you take a quiet moment on your porch at dusk, you’ll realize the desert is alive with a very different kind of Valentine’s serenade.

Great Horned Owls: Listen for that deep, rhythmic "hoo-h'hoo-hoo" after dark. Those are our resident Great Horned Owls. They are some of the earliest nesters in the Sonoran Desert, and by now, many have already paired up and are busy tending to their nests.
Cactus Wrens: The Cactus Wrens are looking particularly busy these days as they’re currently in "DIY mode," scouting the best Jumping Cholla to build their sturdy, football-shaped nests. It’s a prickly place to call home, but it’s the perfect fortress for raising a new family.

It’s a beautiful reminder that in the desert, love and new life are always just a wingbeat away. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled this week—you might just catch a glimpse of a true desert love story in action!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

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

Submit Your Event (It’s FREE!)

February 12

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 5 PM
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

February 13

Stay and Play | Christ Lutheran Vail | 9 AM - 10 AM
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 5 PM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy—Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
A Valentine’s Adventure with Santa and Mrs. Claus | Purple Heart Park, Ramada 1 | 2 PM - 5 PM
Heart & Art: Valentine’s Kids Club | Park Place Mall | 4 PM - 6 PM

February 14

Fine Valentine Relay 4 Mile & 2 Mile + FitKidz Mile | University of Arizona | 8 AM - 11 AM
Vail Pride Day | Pima County Fairgrounds | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Father/Daughter Valentine Breakfast | Christ Community Church | 9 AM - 11 AM
Chalk Block Party | Children’s Museum | 9 AM - 1 PM
I Love Zoo | Reid Park Zoo | 9 AM - 4 PM
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 5 PM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Sweetheart Special | Charron Vineyards | 11 AM - 6 PM
Second Saturday Sonoita | Sunset Ride Wine | 11 AM - 5 PM
Chocolate Love | Arizona Hops and Vines | 12 PM - 4 PM
Valentine’s Dinner | Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant | 2 PM ‘til Close
Valentine’s Day Movie and Craft: Twilight | Kirk-Bear Canyon Library | 2:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Us Too | Four Tails Vineyard | 5 PM - 8 PM

February 15

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 5 PM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Futurepreneur LIVE | University of Arizona | 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sweetheart Special | Charron Vineyards | 11 AM - 6 PM
Blues and Vines | Medella Vina Ranch | Noon to 5 PM

February 16

Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM

February 17

Family Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

SNACK BREAK

📸: Eat, Dessert, Snack

Valentine’s Trail Mix

From Eat, Dessert, Snack

4 cups pretzels
4 cups Strawberry Cheerios
1 (10 oz) package Valentines M&Ms
1 cup yogurt covered raisins I used Sun Maid brand Strawberry and Vanilla flavored
1 package freeze dried berry yogurt melts Gerber or Parents Choice brand
1.5 cup white melting chocolate, optional (450 grams)

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except melting chocolate.
Mix well. You can serve as is or, add white melted white chocolate.
To melt white chocolate, heat in a microwave save bowl in 30 second increments, stirring well in between until it reaches desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes total.
Pour melted chocolate over trail mix and mix well, until everything is well coated. Transfer to a greased baking sheet or silicon mat and spread evenly to cool.
When cooled, gently break apart and serve in small treat bags or cups.

THE OUTDOOR REPORT

Sunrise: 7:07 AM

Sunset: 6:06 PM

Air Quality: Fair (31 AQI)

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent

SEE YOU OUT THERE

Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman