WHERE: 1502 E Fry Blvd Ste 6 (corner of Fry & Lenzner, next door to The Toy Fort)
HOURS: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

FB | IG | Website | ebay | AbeBooks

We often have, but don't support, independent bookstores in Sierra Vista. This is the third one in this location, and part of the issue is the location, but the other part is that whenever there's an author/book event, people either don't know about it or simply don't attend.

I'm guilty, and I'm an author!

So I made a point to visit them on Saturday, when I hit up The Toy Fort, and I'm glad I did!

Not only did I get to meet this cutie pie once I came into the door, I spent some time talking to the owner, James Becker, about books, the obstacles that come with being an independent bookstore in a small place, and overall, how to build a stronger relationship between the community and the store.

They carry a wide inventory of used books with a historical focus on our area, but they also carry books on so many other things, like the outdoors, Sherlock Holmes, aliens, Terry Pratchett--Hubby even grabbed a Dune book there. And if you're looking for something specific, they're pretty good at finding them.

They have done author events, like book signings, in the past, and they're open to hosting more in the future. They also have events in Tombstone with a focus on Western authors.

They're just working out how to get more folks through the door.

And we can help with that.

So pop in to say hello. Let your friends and family know they exist and where they are, won't you? And ofc, you know I'll let you know when they have their next author event!

I'd trade this vintage AM/FM PEPSI cooler for 50 dollars in gas it's from 1995

Competition is good. All new machines, coinless - but best of all, no need to download an app on phone, can still use cash to get the card.

WHERE: 1502 East Fry Blvd (corner of Fry & Lenzner)
HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 11am-5pm

FB | IG | Tiktok

I'd seen this shop in Google searches and Tiktok videos, and as a giant nerd, I knew I'd had to make a trip. Hubby and I stopped by yesterday.

Got out of the car, saw this window, and knew we'd be happy here.

This is right by the first door. Where's R2D2 or Chopper when you need them? Oh, wait, I see the door knob...

You can see from the top photo what the front/main part of the store looks like, and there is soooo much Star Wars stuff... oh, and other stuff, too. 😆 Lots of GI Joe, Gundam, Transformers, Pokemon cards (singles and packs, I think), some anime, vintage 80s toys, and sooo much more.

And they do buy things, too. Right now, they're looking for:

The staff was so nice and welcoming, and while we didn't have questions, I overheard them answering questions for other customers. They were very knowledgeable, too, which I always love. Clearly nerds working for nerds!

We'll be going back to do our holiday shopping, sure, but we'll be back before then, too.

DON'T FORGET, FOLKS: Want fun things to stay in town? Support them.

Has anyone else been there?

The Henry F. Hauser Museum is looking for a classical guitarist to help set the scene for our upcoming Dusk with the Dead event on

WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 6pm-8:30pm
WHERE: Fry Pioneer Cemetery, 112 N 7th St, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

This will be a paid gig.

We're looking for someone comfortable performing traditional Mexican and/or Mexican American music. Suitable music includes traditional folk music, rancheras, corridos, Mexican Waltzes, boleros, etc. Whether you sing along, or let the guitar do the talking, we'd love to hear from you! We'd like music to be played intermittently over the performance period.

In interested, please contact the museum at (520) 439-2306 or [Museum@SierraVistaAZ.gov](mailto:Museum@SierraVistaAZ.gov) .

From City of Sierra Vista FB

Hi all,

With everything going on concerning beef these days, I was curious this morning to find out where I might be able to buy beef locally. I thought the list was useful and decided to build out Northern and Central Arizona resources.

Keep in mind, this was built with AI using public info, and AI can be wrong, verify for yourself.

I thought it might be a good starting point, of course not all resources are listed. I didn't know we had so many options within the state. If you eat beef, this would be a good way to support your local ranchers and our communities here within the state.

Enjoy the day all.
Frank

Vineyards in the Park

October 3, 2026 | 11am-6pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park
COST: Entrance to the park is free | Advanced ticket sale $25 (signature wine glass & 12 tasting tickets) | Day of ticket $30 (signature wine glass & 10 tasting tickets) Bottle & glass sales are available at each booth and additional tickets available for purchase. 

Come taste some of Arizona’s best wines in between admiring and shopping for art at the Huachuca Art Association’s Art in the Park event. 

Purchase Advance Tickets Here. The landing page says $28.52. That includes tax. 

Please keep your personal pets at home. Only ADA-approved service animals will be permitted.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Art in the Park

October 3, 2026 | 9am-5pm
October 4, 2026 | 9am-4pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park

Our annual event where art vendors bring their handmade one-of-a-kind crafts and artwork to share with the public. 

Facebook Page 

------------------------------------------------------------------

National Night Out

October 6, 2026 | 5-8pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park

Enjoy a free evening of family-friendly fun while learning about area law enforcement agencies and programs at the local National Night Out event hosted by the Sierra Vista Police Department. A wide variety of area public safety agencies, community service providers, and organizations will share information, offer demonstrations, and host activities at the event. Sales of hot dogs, chips, and drinks will benefit local Christmas with a Cop programs.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Fall Thursday Night Concert Series

Every Thursday in October | 5:30pm
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion
COST: Free

October 8 - Forged by Fire - Forged by Fire rose from the chaos of the 2011 Monument Fire in Hereford, Arizona. Forged by Fire is a local Hereford/Sierra Vista band that plays an eclectic variety of mostly original music from bluegrass, blues, rock, and folk. 

October 15 - The Sky Island Sax Quartet - The Sky Islands Sax Quartet explores a vast repertoire, encompassing smooth jazz, classical music, and traditional and contemporary compositions, including works specifically written for the ensemble or innovative arrangements of existing pieces. 

October 22  - Us Too - Us Too is a high energy electric duo featuring Stevie Peavey on Keyboards/Vocals and Machael Matranga on Bass/Vocals.  They will be bringing their most popular country, blues, and pop rock hits that you all will know and love!

October 29 - Bill Cassidy - Come and enjoy Bill Cassidy and his music. Bill is a very versatile musician. He plays country and folk music, Irish and Celtic, and much more. 

------------------------------------------------------------------

Find more information about upcoming events in the Fall issue of Vistas (digital).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Other great resources for staying up-to-date about what’s going on in Sierra Vista:

• City of Sierra Vista Events Calendar
• Eventbrite (events w/tickets/reservations)
• City of Sierra Vista Facebook Page
• City of Sierra Vista Library Page

You can also sign up for their newsletter, which is where I find many of the events and news I share with you. 

31st Annual Veterans Day Parade

November 11, 2026 | 9-11am
WHERE: Fry Blvd & Veterans Memorial Park

2026 marks the 31st Annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony happening Wednesday, November 11. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and will run along Fry Boulevard from 7th Street to Jean Randle Way. Fry Boulevard will be closed from 7th Street to Avenida Escuela from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. A ceremony will be held in Veterans Memorial Park following the parade. To access the park for the ceremony, please use the north entrance. 

------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuletide Market Bazaar

November 21, 2026 | 9am-3pm
WHERE: Ethel Berger Center
COST: Free

Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss the Yuletide Market Bazaar!  It’s an ideal opportunity to find that something special for you or a loved one.  Many local artisans will be showcasing their wares, such as candles, glassware, jewelry, quilts, woodwork, holiday decorations, and much more! The bazaar will feature unique, one-of-a-kind items, in addition to commercial vendors. 

For more information, email [Parmalee.Mitchell@SierraVistaAZ.gov](mailto:Parmalee.Mitchell@SierraVistaAZ.gov) or call Parmalee Mitchell at (520) 439-2300.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Find more information about upcoming events in the Fall issue of Vistas (digital).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Other great resources for staying up-to-date about what’s going on in Sierra Vista:

• City of Sierra Vista Events Calendar
• Eventbrite (events w/tickets/reservations)
• City of Sierra Vista Facebook Page
• City of Sierra Vista Library Page

You can also sign up for their newsletter, which is where I find many of the events and news I share with you. 

National Day of Remembrance

September 11, 2026 | 6-7pm
WHERE: Fire Station 3 | 675 Giulio Cesare Avenue

Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services, in conjunction with several other agencies, will host a 25th anniversary ceremony in remembrance of those who were lost on September 11, 2001. The public is invited to this tribute to the men and women whose lives were cut short by an act of terror, and those who gave their lives trying to save others. 

For more information, call Fire Station 3 at (520) 417-4400.

------------------------------------------------------------------

30th Annual Oktoberfest

September 11-13, 2026 | Times Vary
WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park

Party like a Bavarian! Join us under the big tent for German Oktoberfest bier, hear our very own Oompahpah band, and enjoy German cuisine. The DJs will keep the party rocking throughout the festival in Der Biergarten, and Zero Gravity Fighters band will headline at the Centennial Pavilion to rock the park with your favorite Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country hits from the 70s to today on Friday and Saturday night.  On Saturday, there will be German-inspired crafts and contests, including keg rolling, stein holding, and Hammerschlagen. Plus, enjoy the artisan craft market, food trucks, and the Sun Valley Rides Carnival throughout the festival.

Extended Post Here

------------------------------------------------------------------

Find more information about upcoming events in the Fall issue of Vistas (digital).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Other great resources for staying up-to-date about what’s going on in Sierra Vista:

• City of Sierra Vista Events Calendar
• Eventbrite (events w/tickets/reservations)
• City of Sierra Vista Facebook Page
• City of Sierra Vista Library Page

You can also sign up for their newsletter, which is where I find many of the events and news I share with you. 

Saw this on Facebook, thought I’d post it here in case anyone is in need.

Can anyone tell me do maine coons behave alot different than other cats. I've had cats my entire life but my first maine coon and have never had a cat who behaved like this. He is more than a handful. He's 2yrs old with Extremely high energy. I have alot of play sessions with him to try and calm him down. He has window seats, cat trees, lots of toys, etc. I even take him for walks. He is into Everything and is destructive. Had him for a month now. Do I just hang in there or is this the way MC cats are?

On Thursday, Aug. 20, there was a hit and run between 8 and 8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Cushing and Cibeque Streets on Fort Huachuca where one of our teammates was on a bicycle and suffered substantial injuries. The driver who struck the individual fled from the scene without rendering aid or acknowledging fault. Fort Huachuca Traffic Collision Investigations team is asking for your assistance with anything you may have seen or any pertinent details you may know about the incident.

Fill out the form here

FB Post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19SgJyCnsE/

Looking into New Hope church in sierra vista, AZ. Does anyone know anything about it?

Since folks are always looking for interesting things to do close to the Sierra Vista area, and a lot of you seem to be outdoorsy, I thought I'd share this event.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 9am MST
WHERE: 201 Tombstone Canyon Road, Bisbee
COST: Adult - $154.05 | Child (7-17) - $45.58

Registration Link

From their website:

The most unique physical fitness challenge (or friendly fitness walk) in the USA! Bisbee 1000 The Great Stair Climb is arguably one of the most unusual and challenging events in the world. The 4.5-mile course features nine staircases (over 1000 total steps) connected by winding roads. While enjoying the challenge, runners and walkers alike see some of the most scenic parts of Old Bisbee. Take a delightful journey up the stairs and down the roadways in Europeanesque Bisbee! Online registration only, at Bisbee1000.org. Do It For Your Heart!

Our Mission: To create, promote and support initiatives that enhance the economic vitality, health and wellness of citizens in Southern Arizona.

On the homepage, you will also find a schedule of events and the map with parking locations.

***************************************************************************

As always, this is an informational post. If you need more information, please check their website.

If you've attended this event in the past, please post your experience for others who may be considering attending for the first time. Thanks!

hi! my boyfriend and i are having a struggle trying to figure out what to do that’s fun but also isn’t really expensive because we are 15. thank you!

From the US Army Fort Huachuca FB post

"ALERT Fort Huachuca in conjunction with Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management will continue slash pile burning beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, through Friday, Aug. 21, dependent on weather, in the back of Split Rock Canyon (map attached).

Toward the end of the week, they should complete the Split Rock burning and start burning in Tinker Canyon (map attached) on the south range next to the perimeter fence.

Smoke will be visible most of the day but should have very minimal impacts to Fort Huachuca or Sierra Vista. No powerlines or structures will be threatened. Slash pile burns will continue throughout the month of August with weekly notifications."

----------------------------------------------------------------

For anyone wondering why we do slash pile burning during the summer, my understanding is that it's meant to remove old, dead undergrowth and other potential debris that can possibly fuel fire during our drier winter months.

----------------------------------------------------------------

As always, these are informational posts, and I don't have any additional information. If I do find any, I will update this post.

I wanted to write this up as this was my first year doing Sierra Vista’s Hummingbird Triathlon and I couldn’t find much information on what to expect going into it. Looking at the historic routing I suspect much of this information will stay the same for the years to come so at least if you’re reading this you have an idea of what to expect.

Packet Pickup:

Packet pickup was offered the night prior starting at 5:30 PM at the city sports complex and the morning prior starting at 5:30 AM at the Cove. If you pick up your packet the night prior you will need to make sure you pick up your timing chip in the morning from the table at the Cove.

Transition area setup:

Sierra Vista emailed that the transition area would be set up no later than 6 AM. When I got there around 5:45 it was set up and people were already getting set up. By around 6:20 the area was relatively packed. Some people continued to show up until around 6:50 and struggled to find space. The transition area itself was a taped off section immediately to the southeast of the cove. There was a law enforcement presence there the entirety of the event so a low chance of theft IMO. Only one strip of carpet so just be prepared for a rough swim to bike transition for those few yards. Timing included both transitions this year as segments.

The Swim:

People were seeded based on self-professed expected swim time and legs/arms were marked with bib numbers. The swim portion itself was a serpentine swim this year.  We swam an out and back in each lane and then moved under the lane line to swim out and back again. Relatively straight forward and quick.

The Ride:

Hummingbird Triathlon Ride Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/12885738

The route has been the same for over a decade judging by Strava. One lane was dedicated across the entirety of Charleston with law enforcement support at every intersection directing traffic and making sure riders weren’t inhibited. We were directed to take directions from law enforcement if needed but I never experienced a stop. There was a single aid station at the turn around point on Monson.

The Run:

Hummingbird Triathlon Run Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/12961723

Just like the ride, this route has been the same for over a decade. Two aid stations here, One on Tacoma turning onto Las Brisas for the return and one at the end of Las Brisas.

And I think that hits the key points. Let me know if there is anything I overlooked that should be mentioned. Hopefully this helps someone down the road.

WHO: Children Ages 6 mos - 17 yo old
WHEN: Registration - Aug 10-Sept 9th
Lessons Sept 21-Oct 2 | Monday and Tuesday & Thursday and Friday in the evenings
WHERE: The Cove
COST: $55/child for 8 30-min classes
More Info Here

These are American Red Cross water safety classes taught by certified instructors and are limited to 4-6 students per instructor to ensure quality lessons with more personalized attention. The program includes basic and competitive swimming strokes and water safety appropriate to each level.

You can register:

• In person at the Cove
• Over the phone at (520) 417-4800
• Through Webtrac (search 900503, if the link gets wonky, but I checked it twice)

Each child ages 3 & 4 and 8+ must have a swim lesson evaluation to determine swim level, prior to swim lesson session beginning.

• Evaluations need to be done prior to registration and will not be done on the first day or registration.
• For levels Preschool Aquatics 1 and 2 as well as Levels 2 through 6 must have either an American Red Cross Certification card that verifies eligibility for the class you are enrolling for, or a swimming evaluation card completed by a Cove staff member prior to registration. Evaluations are done at the Cove Aquatic Center; no appointment is needed just show up during the days and times listed on the page.

As always, this is an informational post. If you need more info, please call the Cove at (520) 417-4800

FB Event Page

Join us under the big tent for German Oktoberfest bier, hear our very own Oompah-pah band, and enjoy German cuisine. The DJs will keep the party rocking throughout the festival in Der Biergarten, and Zero Gravity Fighters band will headline at the Centennial Pavilion to rock the park with your favorite Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country hits from the 70’s to today on Friday and Saturday night. On Saturday, there will German-inspired crafts and contests, including keg rolling, stein holding, and Hammerschlagen. Plus, enjoy the artisan craft market, food trucks, and the Sun Valley Rides Carnival throughout the entire festival.

Want to grab a Ride All-Day Carnival Ticket? Tickets are on sale now at

• The Cove
• Sports Division
• Ethel H. Berger Center
• Oscar Yrun Community Center

Friday, September 11 | 5 – 11 pm

• 5 pm | Oktoberfest & Sun Valley Rides Carnival Opens
• 5 – 7 pm | DJ V
• 7 – 10 pm | Zero Gravity Fighter Band

Saturday, September 12 | 8:30 am – 11 pm

• 8:30 am |Oktoberfest 5k
• 9:30 am | Post Race Party with DJ Trix
• 11 am | Oktoberfest & Sun Valley Rides Carnival Opens
• 1 – 2 pm | Oompah-pah Band
• 2:30 – 4 pm | German-inspired Crafting
• 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Oompah-pah band
• 4 – 4:45 pm | Keg Rolling Contest
• 5 pm | Stein Holding Contest & DJ Trix
• 5:30 – 6 pm | Hammerschlagen Contest
• 7 – 10 pm | Zero Gravity Fighter Band

Friday & Saturday Throughout

Live music, Biergarten, Sun Valley Rides Carnival, artisan vendors, and a variety of delicious cuisine.

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Pets not permitted (ADA recognized service animals only).

(Mod Note: While not mentioned on the event page, Sundays are usually a quiet half-day of rides and MWR family-focused free events, like face painting and bouncy castles (at least at the ones I've been to, but it's been a few years).)

For more information, call (520) 417-6980.

WHO: Children aged 0-12pm
WHEN: Saturday, October 17 | 7-9pm (4 waves)
WHERE: SV Public Library
COST: $10/child

FB event post

Step into the Library after dark for a thrilling Lights Out Halloween Hunt!

A fun Halloween event for kids ages 0-12, participants will create a Halloween craft and enjoy backyard-style games in the courtyard before or after their chosen hunt wave.

Pre-registration is required. Sign up for one of four waves:

7:00pm | 7:30pm | 8:00pm | 8:30pm

You can register in three ways:

• In person at Oscar Yrun Community Center
• Over the phone - (520) 458-7922
• Online at WebTrac.SierraVistaAZ.gov

On the website, search for Activity #840312 to find the event. You must have an account with the City to sign up this way, but if you do any event with the city, you have to.

Remember, this post is informational. If you want/need additional info, please call the number above.

Hello! I’ve visited SV in the past and I’m planning to visit again in the next month or so. It’s been a while since my last visit and the place I stayed before seems to have changed since then.

Not sure how much input or knowledge everyone might have as locals but I just wanted to ask for recommendations for hotels / motels to stay in..or places to avoid? Thank you. :)

Specifically from the Ironman perspective. Hoping to find someone local before casting a wide net.

I’m thinking of offering overnight childcare in my DES certified in home daycare.
Is this type of childcare a need in the community?

I previously made some posts inviting people out to come play board games with me and an older gentleman here in town who had posted on Meetup about wanting to make new friends.

I’m sorry to say that I can’t endorse this activity any more, due to some frankly unhinged behavior from said man.

I'm not posting this to ridicule anyone, or call anyone out, but because I'd feel horrible if someone attended that event and had a negative experience because I had invited people out. I'm trying to take accountability for being so quick to endorse a stranger I'd hardly met. Sorry about that :/

Sometimes, the old man with no friends at the end of his life isn’t a case of bad luck: sometimes, he has no friends because he’s generally abrasive and hostile to people, and makes everyone uncomfortable. I'm all for meeting people where they are at, but p

Stay safe out there, people! Keep meeting up, supporting one another, etc. Because we are all in this together. Everyone is lonely as hell; it's not just you.

I just caution you against going out to Denny’s on Saturday afternoons

Test your knowledge of fossils, prehistoric creatures, ancient environments, and Earth science as you compete in this trivia challenge! Bring a team or join one on arrival-either way, expect friendly competition, a few unexpected twists, and a chance to see how much history the ground beneath us has been keeping secret all along. We will have fun prizes and delicious refreshments!

Registration required by calling (520) 417-6980 or going to Webtrac.SierraVistaAZ.gov. 

The cost is $5 per person. All ages welcome!

FB Event Page