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Valley of the Moon is a fantasyland, complete with winding paths, an Enchanted Garden and Storybook architecture. Located at 2544 E Allen Road, this three acre park celebrated its 100th birthday just last year and is listed both on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Historic Artist Homes and Studios. With a true faith in the fairy and a deep belief that kindness is the real magic, Valley of the Moon was created to provide a space for creativity and inclusion for all.
 Built by George Phar Legler from 1923 to 1932, he did not let his lack of experience as a builder or architect deter his efforts, nor did he do it alone. According to their website, “George built Valley of the Moon with the help of Frank (his bestie), Randall (his son), and anyone who would share in his dream, including a number of hobos or otherwise homeless men who worked with George in exchange for food and a place to stay.”
George was a Spiritualist, a faith popular in the 1920s that included a belief in ghosts, fairies, and spirits, and was inspired after bringing joy to a terminally ill young girl by creating a magical scene outside her window - a mountain scape complete with waterfall. He was also rather progressive both 100 years ago and still by today’s standards. The stated purpose of Valley of the Moon by the first iteration of the non-profit in 1945-was “to present the mind as one of the major factors in maintaining the health of the human body; to advocate tolerance towards all religions; and to foster the divine principle of tolerance and brotherly love for all mankind, regardless of race, creed, or color.”
 Grotto goblin at the Valley of the Moon.
Originally the intent was for people to wander freely and enjoy picnics in the park. George gave tours as a Mountain Gnome telling elaborate stories and including magic and well timed five year olds dressed as fairy queens appearing seemingly from nowhere. Valley of the Moon quickly gained popularity, here locally and as an attraction to the many taking to the open roads. The tours turned into elaborate productions and the neighborhood kids were eager to join in on the magic. A whole generation of Tucsonans grew up with that spark inside them.
 Two grotto goblins enjoying the magic.
As all Spiritualists know, we are bound to the seasons and Valley of the Moon went through its own fall and winter. In the 60s,due to George’s ailing health and failing eyesight, activity was reduced and both George and the Moon fell into disrepair. Enter benevolent mischief, a group of Catalina High School kids, all with a half-remembered, shared dream of a magical land with a little old wizard that told stories and performed magic tricks set off to find this place. They jumped the fence and found George, in need of brotherly love. The teenagers and their parents endeavored to restore the Moon and provide George with care and support into his later years.
On George's 97th birthday, he was presented with a Tucson Outstanding Citizen Award for the creation of Valley of the Moon and his devotion to the free entertainment of Tucson's children and he passed away four months later on February 22, 1982.
Today, Valley of the Moon is still a special place, maintained with love and respect for magic and children that people of all ages can benefit from. To bring some magic into your life, check out their current programming at https://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com/calendar.html. If you have personal stories to share, send them my way - Marlene.Avelino@TucsonAz.gov.
When spring arrives in Tucson, the city comes alive with renewed energy and a vibrant lineup of community events. Last Saturday was no exception, as Council Member Dahl joined the spring festivities at Doris J. Thompson Park (formerly known as Mansfield).This annual egg hunt has been taking place at Thompson Park since 1999 and has grown throughout the 26 years to be a staple event that families from Ward 3 and beyond enjoy.
 Council Member Kevin Dahl with Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamwey carrying her sweet dog, Tater.
Despite the warmer weather, nearly 500 youth participated in the egg hunts and an estimated 1,300 visited Thompson Park for the event. Thanks to its consistently strong turnout, this event has become a true community effort, with support from the City of Tucson, dedicated local residents, and partner organizations.
 Kids running out to collect all the eggs!
Each year, all Parks and Recreation Centers around the City collaborate to support the event by providing staff to help plan logistics and create interactive booths. As I walked around each one, I was struck by the creativity and talent of our Parks and Rec team. Every booth features hand-drawn and hand-painted artwork, and all the games are uniquely designed and built by the staff themselves. With so many kids laughing and playing at the booths, it’s hard to say the egg hunt was the only highlight.
 Donna Liggins Center staff, Michael, Nat, Liz, and Jeff, in front of their Pokémon booth.
Families were also able to learn more about local resources like BICAS and Amphi Panteras Tennant Empowerment, participate in a festive bunny photo-op, and buy some tasty treats from local food truck vendors.
 The amazing Parks and Rec team behind the magic of this year’s EGGstravaganza.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Tucson Parks and Recreation, Tucson Water, our incredible community volunteers, including Armando Vargas and Rose Taulton, who continue to serve on the planning committee and help create prize basket donations yearly, Friends of Ward 3, the many sponsors, resource providers, and the Sugar Hill community. Your contributions make this event possible year after year.
 Image courtesy of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
Pascua Yaqui Easter Ceremonies
April is such a joyful month with flowers blooming and the warmer weather making everything feel alive! Easter is here, and we’re sending our best wishes to everyone celebrating! For the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, this week is extra special as they observe Holy Week. If you're curious about their beautiful religious ceremonies, we've included a little description below for those who might like to join in. Enjoy the festivities!
From the tribal website:
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe welcomes all visitors who come in a spirit of reverence appropriate for any religious ceremony. All communities are protected by tribal, town or city ordinances. Please note that audio recording devices, cameras, cellular phones, sketching and drinking of alcoholic beverages are not allowed at any ceremonial site.
Old Pascua Location: South of Grant, East of Fairview. You will need to park somewhere at least a few blocks away and walk.
The morning of Holy Saturday, both groups prepare for the final confrontation. In Tucson, this part of the drama draws crowds of visitors. The Chapayekas parade the figure of their straw Judas and ready themselves in front of their barracks. The church Groups, the Matachin, the Deer Dancer and the Pascolas, as well as the Caballeros arrive decorated with real and crepe paper flowers, greens and ribbons to help defend the church.
Around noon, the Fariseos and Chapayekas march towards the church, advancing towards the ash line which marks off the holy ground. Three times they charge and three times they are repulsed by the Maestros singing the Gloria, the ringing of the bells, waving of flags, the dancing of the Matachinis, the Pascolas and the Deer Dancer and the throwing of flowers by all the allies of the church.
At the end of the third charge, the Fariseos give in to their fate; they have been defeated, killed by the flowers and faith of the church people. They throw their masks into the huge bonfire which also consumes their straw Judas. They are now ritually cleansed of evil.
As part of the celebration be aware that fireworks and pyrotechnics are employed.
For more information on this event please go to: https://www.pascuayaqui-nsn.gov/culture/ceremony-locations/
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