COMMUNITY BEST COMMUNITY LEADER OV Police Chief Kara Riley It’s not easy maintaining a status as desirable as “Arizona’s safest city,” but having a Police Chief like Kara Riley sure helps. She had some big shoes to fill when she took command in early 2020, and couldn’t have foreseen the chaotic year ahead. But she’s won over the department, the community and then some — winning the Best Community Leader award for two years in a row now!
READER RECOMMENDED Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Marana Unified School District Superintendent Dan Streeter
BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL Marana Pumpkin Patch 14950 N. Trico Road (520) 305-5481 maranapumpkinpatch.com Every October, kids from all over the valley head to the Marana Pumpkin Patch not only for their Jack O’Lantern, but also bounce pillows, train rides, giant slides, zip lines, kettle corn, fresh
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Explorer and Marana News, March ,
pie and oh so much more. It ain’t Halloween until you’ve made your trip to the Marana Pumpkin Patch. READER RECOMMENDED Gaslight Music Hall performances 13005 N. Oracle Road (520) 529-1000 gaslightmusichall.com Tohono Chul Festival of Lights 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (520) 742-6455 tohonochul.org
BEST FIRST RESPONDER AGENCY Northwest Fire Department
The Northwest Fire Department isn’t just there to put out your fires. They get you to the hospital in an emergency, teach safety courses to kids and relocate your rattlesnakes. When there’s trouble afoot, we’re glad this team is on the job. READER RECOMMENDED Pima County Sheriff’s Department
BEST 55+ MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY The Highlands Mobile Home Park 332 W. Matterhorn St. (520) 297-2722 mhvillage.com
The Highlands are exactly what you’d want from a mobile home park in Oro Valley: It’s close to Canada del Oro Park and shopping centers. It has a heated pool and plenty of recreational amenities. And those spectacular Pusch Ridge views! It’s a little bit of heaven right here on Earth.
Saguaro 7974 N. Oracle Road (520) 297-3333 thehappysaguaro.com
BEST KEPT SECRET
Well, we guess it’s not too much of a secret anymore. ut that’s fine, because we think everyone should pay The Happy Saguaro a visit. Outside of the great name, this charming Mexican decor shop captures everything we love about our desert. It’s eclectic, welcoming and surprisingly vibrant. Merchandise here ranges from small rings to entire wall installations, all with that signature Southwestern twist. Whether you want colorful garden decorations, jewelry, art or furniture, you can find it at The Happy Saguaro.
The Happy
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READER RECOMMENDED South Forty RV Park 3600 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 297-2503 southfortyrvranch.com Valley of the Sun MH Park 13377 N. Sandario Road (520) 682-3434 valleyofthesunrv.com