Welcome to issue #33 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
Come on in. Take a load off. The evenings are getting longer, and the wildflowers are officially reclaiming the valley as the desert reawakens. We’re definitely feeling that early Arizona Spring shift this week. The morning air is still sweet, but the midday mercury is climbing a little faster than usual, reminding us that the triple digits aren't as far off as we’d like. It’s that perfect, fleeting window where the Mexican Gold Poppies are starting to carpet the foothills and we’re all trading our winter flannels for a bit of green. Enjoy this edition, my friends, and I’ll see ya out there.
~ Kimberly
Calling all Vail & East Tucson Summer Camp Directors! ☀️⛰️
It’s only March, but we’re already getting flooded with emails from parents asking one question: “Where are the kids going this summer?!”
We are building the Ultimate 2026 Vail and SE Tucson Summer Camp Guide to help ou neighbors find the best sports, STEM, arts, and outdoor programs in the area. If you run a camp in Vail, Rita Ranch, or East Tucson, we want to feature you!
Field Report
Hometown Books and Local Bestsellers
While we usually look toward the Tucson skyline for big events, one of the best perks of living in Vail is having a front-row seat to the hidden gems just east of us. Next week (March 20–22), the center of the country music universe shifts 25 minutes down I-10 to the 4EVR Ranch Equestrian Center in Benson at the Cochise Country Fest.
Cochise Country Fest isn't your typical stadium concert. It’s desert-honky-tonk in its purest form. Imagine the Santa Pedro Valley backdrop, the smell of woodsmoke and diesel, and about 5,000 of your closest neighbors in Wranglers. It’s family-friendly, loud, and feels exactly like a Southeast Arizona party should.
This year’s lineup is a massive throwback to the 90s and 2000s Golden Era of country.
Friday: Rodney Atkins ("Watching You") and Chris Cagle kick things off with a high-energy start.
Saturday: The legendary Tracy Byrd ("Watermelon Crawl") headlines with John Foster. If you aren’t line-dancing by 8 PM, you’re doing it wrong.
Sunday: Mark Chesnutt ("Bubba Shot the Jukebox") and Little Texas close out the weekend with those harmony-heavy anthems we all know by heart.
The Game Plan
The Commute: Since the I-10 construction between Vail and Benson is currently a headache, leave 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to. The exit at Ocotillo Rd (Exit 304) backs up quickly when the gates open at 1 PM daily.
The Setup: You can bring your own chairs for the GA section, but the real pro move is the Weekend Camping. People bring everything from luxury RVs to the beds of their trucks. It’s a 3-day tailgate with a stage.
Kids are Free: Keep the budget intact—kids 10 and under are free in General Admission. There are craft and food vendors on-site, so you can make a full day of it without needing a second mortgage.
Tickets are on sale now at cochisecountryfest.com. Single-day tickets start around $130, but the 3-day pass is the best value if you're planning to camp out at the music.
PET OF THE WEEK
Titan (A879101)
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: Neutered male, black and white Labrador Retriever mix.
Weight: Approximately 48.20 lbs.
Age: About 2 years and 7 months old
Titan came from a hoarding situation with nearly 100 dogs and was part of the first group to be helped by PACC’s Animal Restoration Kennel facility (ARK). ARK was created to address hoarding conditions at sites scattered throughout the county, allowing the animals in these situations to receive the physical care and socialization they need. The dogs in this case range in age and size and even include mamas with babies. All are sweet, deserving dogs who dream of a loving home and a chance at a healthy, happy life. These dogs each have a unique personality. Some are already vibrant and brave, while others need more TLC and help to build confidence, but all have love to share with their future family.
Titan shares his kennel and would likely benefit from a confident furry friend in his future home. Ask to meet an ARK dog today!!
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Second Saturday Vendor Fair
Make time on Saturday...enjoy beautiful weather and enjoy all the fun at the Second Saturday Vendor Fair located between the tracks!! Please bring donations of peanut butter and jelly for the Vail ReSources food bank.
Tucson Festival of Books
It’s officially Book Christmas in Southern Arizona. This Saturday and Sunday (March 14–15), the UA Mall transforms into one of the largest literary festivals in the country. With over 300 authors, food trucks, and a dedicated Science City for the kids, it is the best free weekend out you can have.
Looking to read more locally to the Vail area? Check out this list of local authors!
Kegs & Eggs @ Copper Brothel Brewery
Our friends south on Hwy 83 are throwing their Annual St. Paddy’s Day Brunch this Sunday, March 15th. If you haven't been to Sonoita lately, this is the perfect excuse to enjoy some scratch-made Irish comfort food and female-brewed craft beer. Doors open at 9:00 AM. It’s first-come, first-served, and the local regulars tend to fill the patio quickly!
Tiny Treasures Consignment Event
Parents, get your bags ready. The Tiny Treasures spring/summer event is just around the corner at 14600 E Colossal Cave Rd (right here in Vail!). Whether you are looking to declutter the playroom or score name-brand summer clothes for $5, this is the community's go-to for sustainable shopping. Read more about their backstory here.
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.
It’s Danger-Noodle Season
While we love the desert lifestyle, mid-March officially marks the start of rattlesnake season in Vail as our cold-blooded neighbors wake up thirsty and on the move. Whether you’re house hunting or just playing in the backyard, stay alert by practicing the stucco sweep to check the cool, shaded crevices where your foundation meets the walls, and always perform a pool patrol near pumps and under lounge chairs where snakes seek out moisture. It is also wise to follow the earbud rule on local walking paths, keeping one ear free so you can hear that distinctive buzzy warning before you see it, and to keep your pups on a short leash during hikes.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
March 12
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Murphy-Wilmot Library
Live Raptors | Sahuarita Library | 4 PM - 5 PM
Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer | Vail Chamber Connection | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Community Meeting: Crafting Resilience, Learning to Hand Sew | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 5 PM - 7 PM
March 13
Tomstone Festival of Western Books | Historic Schiefflin Hall | 8 AM
Little Critters: Here Comes Spring | Reid Park Zoo | 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Seeds and Sprouts! | W. Anne Gibson—Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Summer Job Fair: Rodeo Round Up | Parks and Recreation Administration, 900 S. Randolph Way, 85716 | 11 AM - 6 PM
Easter Egg Hop | Park Place | 4 PM - 5:30 PM
March 14
“Woven for a Purpose” Mother and Son Event | Christ Community Church | 9 AM - 11 AM
Free Succulent Saturday | Four Arrows Garden | 9 AM - 2 PM
Tucson Festival of Books | University of Arizona | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Desert Landscape Basics Free Monthly Class | Four Arrows Garden | 10 AM - 11 AM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Tanque Verde Market | 9239 E. Wrightstown Rd | 10 AM - 3 PM
Live Music: Damon McLaughlin | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
Bricks and Builders Nights | Reid Park Zoo | 5 PM - 8:30 PM
March 15
Tucson Festival of Books | University of Arizona | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona | 10 AM - 6 PM
Annual St. Paddy’s Day Kegs and Eggs Brunch | Copper Brothel Brewery | 10 AM - 1 PM
Live Music: Jeff and Jill Music | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
March 17
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
March 18
It’s Babytime! Storytime for Babies | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10 AM - 11 AM
Toddler Storytime | Murphy-Wilmost Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Treats and Titles | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 11 AM - Noon
SNACK BREAK
Leprechaun Bait
2 cups Corn Chex cereal or Rice Chex
1 cup mini pretzel twists
1-1/2 cups Lucky Charms cereal
1/2 cup Lucky Charms marshmallows pick out of cereal
3/4 cup green M&M’s or other candy-coated chocolate, divided
1 (11-ounce) bag white chocolate chips
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine corn Chex, pretzels, Lucky Charms, Lucky Charms marshmallows, and 1/2 cup green M&M’s.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and microwave for another 25 seconds. Stir until melted and smooth. If necessary, return to the microwave a little longer. (Use bursts of 10 seconds, stirring for 10 seconds between each burst). Pour the melted and smooth white chocolate over the snack mix.
Gently stir until completely combined, then transfer to the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Add remaining 1/4 cup M&M’s on top.
Allow to harden at room temperature or place in the fridge until firm, about 10–20 minutes. Break into pieces and serve or fill plastic bags and attach the free printable.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 6:36 AM
Sunset: 6:28 PM
Air Quality: Fair (21 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (48%)
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman
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