Welcome to issue #35 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

Spring has arrived in the Rincon Valley. Between the blooming Palo Verdes and a packed weekend of events, Spring Fever is officially in full swing across the Southeast. We’ve scouted the Mary Ann Cleveland corridor and beyond to find the best local hunts for your family. Grab your baskets and your SPF—it’s time to hunt.

~ Kimberly

Field Report

The Great Egg Hunt

From high-energy community festivals to relaxed neighborhood gatherings, there is an event for every family dynamic this season. We’ve compiled a guide to the local hunts and spring celebrations across Vail, Rita Ranch, and Corona de Tucson to help you find your perfect spot.

Spring Park Day | Saturday, March 28 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM): This is the big one! Head over to Diamond Community Park for what’s gearing up to be a beautiful Vail morning. Vail Christian Church is hosting a massive free family event featuring a dedicated Egg Hunt at 10:00 AM, face painting, and (the best part) free hot dogs for the community.

Bunny Bash | Friday, March 27 (5–7 PM): Start the fun early at Park Place Mall Center Court. Expect a live DJ, balloon twisters, and games. Pro-tip: The first 200 pre-registrants to arrive get a free gift bag.

The Sycamore Park Community Egg Hunt | Saturday, March 28 (9:30 AM): This egg hunt, hosted by Authentic Life Church, is a must for Corona residents. They run age-specific "heats" every 30 minutes from 10:30 AM to Noon, so the little ones don't get lost in the shuffle.

The Neighborhood Hang | Saturday, March 28 (10 AM): For those in Rita Ranch, the Desert Sky Ward Celebration offers a low-stress morning with a potluck brunch and a friendly neighborhood hunt.

The City Safari | Saturday, March 28 (10 AM – 1 PM): The Tucson Parks & Rec EGGstravaganza at Doris J. Thompson Park is worth the short drive for their fantastic Adaptive Egg Hunt area, specifically designed for children with different abilities.

Looking Ahead (Early April)

The Sunset Social | Wednesday, April 1 (6 PM): A mid-week break at the Mount Fagan Ward in Corona featuring a short "He is Risen" message and a sunset hunt.

The Mega-Hunt | Saturday, April 4 (10 AM): Udall Park is dropping a staggering 7,000+ eggs for those who want to go big before the holiday.

The Cienega Block Party | Sunday, April 5 (9 AM & 11 AM): Living Branch Tucson is taking over Cienega High School with bounce houses, ice cream, and a full lunch following their services.

PET OF THE WEEK

Rory (A830417)
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: Spayed Female, Brown Pit Bull Terrier
Weight: Approximately 51.5 lbs.
Age: About 1 year and 1 month old

Rory spent a few weeks in a foster home after arriving at the shelter with her pup. She did great with kids as young as six years old and was crate-trained. Rory’s foster family described her as a reserved, sweet girl who bonds with her people and loves to be pet and loved.

THE CORKBOARD

Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.

Spring Park Day

Join Vail Christian Church for this free family event on March 28 from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM at Diamond Community Park! Free hot dogs, balloons, and face painting. The egg hunt will happen at 10! Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Vendors, Car/Motorcycle show, Kids activities, Food - Fun for the whole family at Christ Lutheran Vail Church with Creation School. Cool rides will be judged by the spectators.

Join Living Branch Church for a "Mom's Night Out" with Mom Squad at Civano Community Center!

Come as you are, enjoy a meal, and find support and friendship. With fun activities, meaningful conversations, and the chance to build your village. This is a space to be seen, heard, and encouraged. Expect laughs and lasting memories.

Childcare is provided by our incredible Kids Squad Team for Toddlers (18 months-5th grade) at $5 a child, capped at $20. scholarships available upon request

It is limited, so please register your child if you intend to use it. Childcare registration will close the day before Mom Squad.

  • Easter egg hunt with prizes!

  • Charcuterie making class + charcuterie dinner!

  • An uplifting devotional!

  • Sweet time with other mamas!

On March 28, Cienega High School will host The Ethan Ardrey Project Mental Health Awareness Walk, a free community event dedicated to honoring Ethan’s legacy of kindness by providing vital mental health resources to local families. In partnership with the Vail School District Foundation, the day features food trucks, a DJ, jumping castles, and a silent auction, with all proceeds directly funding therapy co-pays and prescriptions for neighbors in need. It’s a meaningful celebration designed to foster a supportive environment and ensure that no one in the community faces mental health challenges alone. Get the details here.

Vail Coffee Stop will be open Friday, March 27th, 4-7pm. Winston BBQ will be serving up dinner. There will be a petting zoo provided by @end_of_the_road_ranchette with free entry with purchase of painting night. Stop by for a beverage, pet the animals, and get dinner. And be sure to register for paint night!

HOME ON THE RANGE

Welcome to the 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.

Welcome Back, Wildflowers

While your HOA might view the burst of flowers popping up from the ground as a violation of Section 4.2, the local trails have no such restrictions. If you head out to the Arizona Trail this week, keep an eye out for the Big Three wildflowers of the Rincon foothills. First, the Mexican Gold Poppy, which turns entire hillsides into a sea of orange under the spring sun. Look closer for the Desert Lupine, those striking purple spikes that smell faintly of grapes, and the vibrant pink stalks of Parry’s Penstemon reaching for the sky. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance garden with all the beauty of a desert spring, with none of the "please pull your weeds" letters from the board.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

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

March 26

  • It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Murphy-Wilmot Library

  • Get Out & Go To The RV Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM

March 27

  • Southern AZ Home Show | Tucson Convention Center | 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Get Out & Go To The RV Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM

  • Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

  • Bunny Blossom Paint Party | Vail Coffee Stop | 4 PM - 7 PM

  • Bunny Bash | Park Place | 5 PM - 7 PM

March 28

  • Southern AZ Home Show | Tucson Convention Center | 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Get Out & Go To The RV Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM

  • Spring Park Day | Diamond Community Park | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

  • Touch-A-Truck | Kino Sports Complex | 9:30 AM - 1 PM

  • Chrome, Crafts, and Coffee | Christ Lutheran Vail | 10 AM - 1 PM

  • Fourth Annual Mental Health Awareness Walk | Cienega High School | 10 AM - 1 PM

  • 2nd Annual Family Color Walk/Run Fundraiser | This & That Creative Studio | 10 AM

  • Arizona Renaissance Festival | 10 AM - 6 PM

  • Live Music: Paul McAllen | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM

  • Wine Gone Wild | Reid Park Zoo | 6 PM - 8:30 PM

March 29

  • Southern AZ Home Show | Tucson Convention Center | 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Get Out & Go To The RV Show | Pima County Fairgrounds | 9 AM - 7 PM

  • Palm Sunday Services | Christ Community Church | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

  • Arizona Renaissance Festival | 10 AM - 6 PM

  • Live Music: Steve Kozachik | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM

March 31

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

April 1

  • It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | W. Anne-Gibson Esmond Station Library | 10 AM - 11 AM

  • Mom Squad | Civano Community Center | 6 PM - 8 PM

SNACK BREAK

Easter Bunny Tail Trail Mix

  • 2 Cups Annie’s Graham Bunnies

  • 2 Cups Yogurt Covered Raisins

  • 2 Cups Mini Marshmallows

  • 2 Cups Easter Colored Peanut M&M’s.

  1. In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients.

  2. Serve immediately.

  3. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

THE OUTDOOR REPORT

Sunrise: 6:18 AM

Sunset: 6:38 PM

Air Quality: Fair (42 AQI)

Moon Phase: First Quarter

SEE YOU OUT THERE

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

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