10/21/2026
π·οΈ SNEAK PEEK: MEET THE CRAWLERS OF CRAWL AND CRAFT FEST! π¦β¨
Get ready to get up close and personal with some of the high country's most fascinating creatures! At our Crawl and Craft Fest on Sunday, November 1st, resident tarantula experts Doug and Rhonda Forsha will be bringing a live lineup of arachnids to the market!
We just got word on whoβs coming to meet you:
π·οΈ Four Live Tarantulas!
π¦ A Live Scorpion!
π§ͺ A Live Vinegaroon!
π§ TEST YOUR ARACHNID KNOWLEDGE BEFORE THE FEST:
Did you know these wild facts about Arizonaβs creepy crawlies?
π The Ultimate Escape Artist: When a male tarantula courts a female, he makes a tapping noise to announce himself... and as soon as the romance is over, he runs like hell! (Female tarantulas can be cannibalistic, so he doesn't stick around!).
π§οΈ Why Are We Seeing More Lately? The Arizona monsoons bring male tarantulas out in search of matesβwhich is why you might spot them wandering the high country right now!
π΅ Local High Country Native: Did you know Arizona has two main native tarantulas? Down south youβll find the Arizona Blonde, but right up here in our neck of the woods, we have the Grand Canyon Black!
π¨ Defense Mode: Tarantulas don't just biteβthey flick "flicker/kicking hairs" from their abdomen when threatened. They look like a p**f of powder, but those tiny barbed hairs itch like crazy!
π§ͺ Meet the Vinegaroon: Unlike tarantulas, these unique arachnids get their name because they can spray a mild vinegar-like scent when defensive!
Whether you're an avid bug lover or just curious to see these misunderstood creatures safely up close, Doug and Rhonda will be on-site all day to answer your questions and share live demonstrations!
π EVENT DETAILS:
ποΈ When: Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM β 3:00 PM
π Where: Arts Alliance of the White Mountains (251 Penrod Rd, Show Low)
ποΈ Admission: 100% FREE | Family-Friendly!
π Plus: Bat education with AZ Game & Fish, pumpkin painting, spider crafts, caramel apples, vendor trick-or-treating, and our 50/50 Cash Raffle!
Which arachnid fact surprised you the most? Drop a comment below! ππ·οΈ