Arboretum’s “Fall Foliage Finale Festival” Thanksgiving Weekend Nov. 29-30

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Pistachios are approaching their prime color this week at Boyce Thompson Arboretum – just in time for the popular Arizona State Park’s  annual “Fall Foliage Finale Festival” Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 29-30. BTA is open Thanksgiving Thursday until 4:00, and all-day of ‘Black Friday’ for visitors who prefer peaceful gardens, birds & butterflies — over big box stores and doorbusters. How’s the foliage this year? BTA staff have been answering that question for the past few weeks and will tell you that while the Honey Locust and Jujube trees have already shed their bright yellow canopies of leaves, the more famous Chinese pistachio trees are predicted for peak foliage somewhere between Nov. 25-Dec.5, most likely at their loveliest the weekend of Thanksgiving, and for about 7-10 days following. Located just west of Superior on Highway 60, the Arboretum  boasts ‘Arizona’s Fall Foliage Finale’ each November, a full glorious month after the colorful aspen and maple leaves have already fallen and denuded trees of Arizona’s higher elevation deciduous forests.  Consider an outdoor Thanksgiving meal in the picnic area – visitors can use BBQ grills adjacent to table watch for the family whose annual tradition is to sit down to their holiday meal dressed as Pilgrims & Indians.

Thanksgiving weekend Nov. 29-30 brings a festival with live music by West Valley recording artist Scott Schaefer (flute, didgeridoo, guzheng) and guest  accompanists. Carry a little cash; volunteers serve hot spiced cider and donuts near exhibits by arts & crafts vendors both days of the weekend, with events rom about 10am til 3pm.  Looking for unique gifts made by talented Valley artisans? Mesa mixed-media artist Jenn Jansen crafts earrings and other unique bling from recycled pop cans (how’s that for pop art?). Check out ceramics by Ilana Flyer, and Sunday will showcase glass art by Laurie Nessell. Lunch plans? The nearby town of Superior has a variety of restaurants just five-minutes drive East, or carry cash to buy fresh artisanal pizzas made on-site by Brick House Bakers’ Bert Archer from a trailer mounted, wood-fired pizza oven where he’ll be firing $15 pies (cash only) from 11am – 2pm both days.

For seasonal updates and reports on the Fall color as it progresses check out facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum, or call staff at 520-689-2723 during daytime business hours.

SaggioAndScottByKatieWowryk#1

Staff (5796 Posts)

There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.


Facebooktwitterby feather
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Comments are closed.

  • Additional Stories

    Fatal accident closes highway

    March 13th, 2024
    by

      A fatal collision Monday, March 11, had SR 77 closed between Biosphere Road and Oro Ford in Oracle for […]


    Annual San Manuel Copper Classic motorcycle race returns March 9

    February 4th, 2024
    by

        Well, they will be at it again. The Trail Riders of Southern Arizona (TRS) will be hosting the […]


    Strong Start to Superior’s 2024

    February 4th, 2024
    by

    Our great town has entered 2024 at hypersonic speed, and we are excited about the many major milestones we have […]


    Rep. Gallego visits Superior

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      Rebuild Superior Inc and the Superior Enterprise Center hosted Representative Ruben Gallego for a regional round table luncheon at […]


  • Additional Stories

    Winkelman Preparatory Academy plans expansion

    February 4th, 2024
    by

    By Mila Besich   When the school year first started in August of 2023, 16 young girls began attending the […]


    New welding facility open for regional learning in Superior

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      By Nathaniel A. Lopez   It’s official.   On Jan. 23, members of Superior Town Council, Rebuild Superior, Resolution […]


    Queen Creek Bridge replacement project begins on US60; full closures will be required between Superior, Miami for blasting

    February 4th, 2024
    by

      SUPERIOR – The Arizona Department of Transportation is replacing two bridges on US 60 east of Superior with spans […]


    Pinal County hosts vaccine clinics in Kearny, Mammoth

    February 4th, 2024
    by

        On Jan. 14, the Pinal County Animal Care and Control offered low-cost vaccines to local pet owners in […]


  • Copperarea

  • Southeast Valley Ledger