Community Gardens of Tucson (CGT) is all about connecting Tucson’s green thumbs with a space to grow fresh produce while nurturing a sense of community.
Since 1990, CGT has created accessible gardens where locals can rent a plot, dig in, and cultivate everything from veggies to flowers. The nonprofit provides essentials like water, tools, and expert advice, making it easy for anyone to thrive — whether you’re a gardening pro or just getting your hands dirty for the first time.
Plus, it’s all about sustainable, local food and strengthening neighborhood bonds.
From 4 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, CGT is hosting its annual fall fundraiser and Chile Festival at the Gregory School Garden, 3231 N. Craycroft Rd.
“Let’s celebrate fall together with a spicy twist!”
At the garden, there’s going to be live music, chile-inspired dishes and drinks available to purchase, and fun activities for the whole family.
Plus, they’ll have a farmers market, silent auction, and a showcase of local artists and makers!
This year’s auction items include:
- Whiskey Del Bac gift set
- Prints, stickers, and temporary tattoos by artist Marcy Ellis
- Prints and stickers by artist Nathalie Aall
- Oil painting by artist Annie Leigh
- Two handmade pots by Tu Kaets Pottery
- Handmade ceramic tiles by Carly Quinn
- Tucson Hop Shop gift bag and gift certificate
- Glass platter and candle holder set by Mark Neifeld
- Framed painting by artist Katherine Parker
- Wood and glass salsa bar made by Ryan Brown and Mark Neifeld
- Bella’s Gelato Shoppe gift basket
- Crooked Tooth Brewing gift basket
- Ceramics and seasonings from Agave Pantry
- Frames photograph by Libby Tobey
- Dried floral wreath by Ronwyn
- Gift certificates from:
- Vero Amore
- Hotel Congress/Cup Cafe/Maynards
- Roadhouse Cinemas
- Dos Cabezas WineWorks
- El Conquistador
- Uptown Burger
- Renee’s Organic Oven
- BOCA by Maria Mazon
- Dante’s Fire
- Tucson Roadrunners
- Top Golf
- Laff’s Comedy Club
- Will You Escape? – Escape Room
- Miltzellah’s Peaceful Sanctuary
- The Gaslight Theatre
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Mister Car Wash
- Memberships from:
- Loft Cinema
- Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
- Mini Time Machine Museum
You can see photos of the auction items here.
The Chile Festival is not only a fun, annual event but also a great opportunity to support the Community Gardens and other local businesses.
This year’s Chile Festival is happening at Gregory School Garden, 3231 N. Craycroft Rd. For more information, follow Community Gardens of Tucson on Facebook.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
