It’s been almost a year of Trail Mix landing in inboxes around the greater Vail area (Vail, Rita Ranch, Corona de Tucson, and even our surrounding small towns like Benson and Sonoita). Now it’s time for me to give you the mic.

Starting soon, you’ll start hearing from other local residents who love sharing their hidden gems, hot tips for desert life, and favorites from our town. It’s more of a spotlight on local creators and businesses, and more of an opportunity for you to soak up all our area has to offer.

As we move through 2026, the landscape of the Vail and Southeast Tucson area is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. From new rooftops to high-tech hubs and mining developments, the growth we’ve discussed for years is now physically taking shape. Here is the latest on three major projects defining our region's future.

The long-discussed Vail Crossings development is officially moving from blueprints to bulldozers. Following the formation of the Community Facilities District (CFD) earlier this year, the project is set to break ground in late 2026.

Just to our west in Rita Ranch, the Project Blue data center campus (led by Beale Infrastructure) has become a focal point of regional economic debate.

The Santa Rita Mountains are seeing a renewed era of industry with Hudbay Minerals’ Copper World project, fueled by a recent $600 million investment from Mitsubishi Corporation.

Whether these projects bring long-term prosperity or lasting environmental costs is a debate happening right now in our front yards. As we grow, staying informed is the only way to ensure the Old Vail spirit survives the new Vail boom.

If any group or organization would like to write an opinion piece in response to these developments, please email [email protected]

Annabelle - A594762
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: Spayed female, white and brown American Staffordshire Terrier mix
Weight: Approximately 46 lbs.
Age: About 9 years old

Annabelle is super easy to leash up, handle, and walk. She loves, loves, loves being with people and seeks out attention every chance she gets, and she’s treat-motivated and takes treats gently. She’s well-behaved and smart, aims to please, and is curious, fun, playful, and a little bit goofy. She’s full of life and love, and she’s hoping to be someone’s forever companion and the center of someone’s universe. Annabelle has been easygoing when meeting other dogs in the playgroup. She’s hoping for a quiet home, a few soft spots to nap, and a secure yard. Please ask to meet Annabelle today!!

Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.

Join The Learning Experience for a spectacular Grand Opening Celebration at The Learning Experience Tucson Rita Ranch!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Bring the whole family out for a day of carnival-style fun at Bubbles’ Big Grand Opening!

Event Highlights:
• Petting Zoo
• Face Painting
• Games & Prizes
• Live DJ
• Raffles
• Special appearance by Bubbles the Elephant

Wristbands:
• $10 (pre-event)
• $15 (day of event)
Includes games, face painting & petting zoo

Food & Merchandise will be available for purchase, with all carnival proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Tour & Enroll Special:
Families who tour and register will be eligible to receive 30% OFF tuition for the first 6 months! Conditions may apply—see center management for details.

Come celebrate, explore the new center, and enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting an amazing cause!

On Saturday, April 25th, Copper Brothel Brewery is throwing their first-ever Millennial Mixtape Mashup, featuring live music from The Dream Scene. Think throwback hits, nostalgic vibes, and a full-on party celebrating the best of the 90s and 2000s. Any other 90s kids feeling instantly drawn to these vibes?

C&M Circus is coming to Benson, AZ TODAY, April 23rd. Two shows will be performed under a real Circus Big Top. Tickets can only be purchased at the box office and will be $17 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 & up. No charge for children under the age of 2.

The midway opens an hour before the show, featuring a full concession stand, pony rides, face painting, and inflatable rides. Our 90-minute family-friendly show features Big Cats, Tight Rope, Aerialists, Fire Eating, Dogs, Foot Juggling, Daredevils, and so much more! Visit cmcircus.com to see photos and find out more information on this year's show.

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.

While it might look like a harmless field of yellow lollipops, Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum) is an aggressive invasive weed that poses a triple threat to the Vail community. Originally from South Africa, this plant spreads rapidly along roadsides and desert washes, outcompeting our native wildflowers and creating a massive fire risk when it dries into a thick, flammable carpet during the summer months. Beyond the ecological damage, it is notorious for its pungent, turpentine-like odor and for causing severe respiratory distress or skin rashes in sensitive individuals. If you spot these bright yellow, globe-shaped flower heads on your property, it is vital to pull them by the root, bag them securely, and dispose of them in the trash before they go to seed and further jeopardize our local landscape.

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

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 28

April 29:

From Bucketlist Tummy

Sunrise: 5:44 AM

Sunset: 6:57 PM

Air Quality: Fair (25 AQI)

Moon Phase: First Quarter

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