Welcome to issue #12 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
While the big-box stores are already in full-on Christmas mode, we're embracing the moment with Fall vibes and Halloween fun. If you're ready to enjoy the cooler temps and fun happenings in peace, you're in the right place! Let's get into the details.
TOGETHER WITH

VAIL COFFEE STOP
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.
Field Report
LOCAL CONSIGNMENT EVENT GIVES BACK TO FOSTER FAMILIES

The Tiny Treasures Consignment Event is returning for two days of incredible deals and community support on October 10th & 11th! This isn't just a massive sale on new and gently used kids' and maternity items; it's a Non-Profit Event with a heartwarming mission right here in our town.
What makes Tiny Treasures truly special is its commitment to giving back. The event partners directly with More Than a Bed, a nonprofit that supports our local foster and adoptive families. While consignors are paid for their sales, most of the remaining unsold products are generously donated directly to More Than a Bed, helping them provide essential items to local children and families in need. By shopping at Tiny Treasures, you are directly helping to stock their inventory and support a crucial community resource!
The sale kicks off on Friday, October 10th, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The biggest day for bargains is Saturday, October 11th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where many items are reduced to half price!
Beyond the incredible savings, there’s plenty of fun for the entire family:
Pumpkin Patch: Get into the fall spirit and pick out farm-fresh pumpkins!
Local Vendors: Browse and support a variety of fantastic local businesses.
Food Trucks: Grab a delicious lunch or snack from the on-site vendors.
Free Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with various free activities.
Treasure Bags: Be one of the first 50 shoppers and you'll receive a special Treasure Bag filled with goodies from local companies!
Silent Auction: Bid on great items! Winners will be announced on Saturday at 2:00 pm (you do not have to be present to win).
Whether you're looking to find a new wardrobe for a growing child or just want to support a great cause, the Tiny Treasures Consignment Event is the place to be. We'll see you there to shop local, save big, and help More Than a Bed support our local foster community!
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
SECOND SATURDAYS BETWEEN THE TRACKS
Join over 60 vendors and food trucks between the tracks, and start shopping local for the holidays! Don't forget your donations for Vail ReSources of gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned yams, and more!
PATAGONIA FALL FESTIVAL
Enjoy two days of art, music, food, and small-town charm. This iconic gathering features over 120 artisan booths, live music from regional favorites, hands-on family activities, and flavors that reflect the richness of the borderlands.
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

Figgy (#A880068)
Spayed female
Weight: Approximately 48.4 lbs.
Age: Approximately 1 year, 8 months old
Figgy is a bouncy young puppy who loves people and has a zest for life! She spent about a month in a foster home where she was described as VERY wiggly and happy. She did well around the resident cats, was very playful with the resident dog, and was both house and crate trained. Figgy’s foster described her as adorable, snuggly, cute and smart. Figgy has shared her kennel politely with a variety of roommates and has been playful, social and easygoing when meeting other dogs in playgroup. She’d like to meet any resident dogs before heading home to ensure a good fit and is looking for a home with a secure yard to keep her safe and sound. Ask to meet Figgy today!
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

📸: Ambitious Kitchen
LOOKING FOR FALL COLORS IN ARIZONA?
Ready to take a trip to find some Fall foliage? It turns out that you might not have to drive very far. Sure, the bulk of the Fall colors are up in Northern Arizona, but in Southern Arizona, we have a few leaves changing colors, too.
Track the Fall Foliage colors and plan your next family road trip to see them using this map.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
October 9
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
October 10
Movie Day: Monsters Inc! | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Tiny Treasures Consignment and Pumpkin Patch | Christ Lutheran Vail | 11 AM - 5 PM
Country Nights | Medella Vina Ranch | 5PM - 10 PM
Not Too Frightful Fridays | Trail Dust Town | 5 PM - 8 PM
October 11
Benson Butterfield Rodeo | The Benson Arena Bar & Rodeo Grounds | 8 AM Slack, 2:30 Kids Events, 5 PM GCPRA Rodeo
Tiny Treasures Consignment and Pumpkin Patch | Christ Lutheran Vail | 9 AM - 2 PM
Patagonia Fall Festival | Patagonia Town Park | 9 AM - 5 PM
Anime Wonder | Pima County Fairgrounds Thurber Hall | 10 AM - 6 PM
Oktoberfest | Mercado District | Noon
Live Music: Damon McLaughlin | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
October 12
Patagonia Fall Festival | Patagonia Town Park | 10 AM - 4 PM
Anime Wonder | Pima County Fairgrounds Thurber Hall | 11 AM - 5 PM
Benson Butterfield Rodeo | The Benson Arena Bar & Rodeo Grounds | Noon Kids Events, 2 PM GCPRA Rodeo
Mini Matinees — Mother Goose | The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures | Noon to 1 PM
October 14
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. ⤵️
SNACK BREAK
Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix
6 cups Rice Chex cereal
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, 2 sticks
1 cup pecans
2 cups apple chips
2 cups pretzels
4 cups Golden Grahams
Preheat oven to 275°F and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Golden Grahams, pretzels, apple chips, and pecans. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 1.5 minutes on high).
Stir brown sugar into the melted butter. Microwave for another 1.5 minutes until bubbly.
Whisk the butter and brown sugar mixture until it thickens like syrup.
Pour the syrup over the cereal mix and stir with a spatula until fully coated.
Spread the mix evenly on the prepared cookie sheets.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cereal and gently stir to ensure all pieces are coated.
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Let the mix cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 6:22 AM
Sunset: 5:57 PM
The sun is rising 9 minutes later and setting 17 minutes earlier than last week.
Air Quality: Fair
Moon Phase: Wanning Gibbous (91%)
SEE YOU OUT THERE

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