A publication of

The Town of Cave Creek

37622 N Cave Creek Rd.

Cave Creek, AZ

480-488-6600

Editor:

Nina Spitzer

~

Click HERE for the Town of Cave Creek's official website.

Be in the Know!

Have you a specific Town of Cave Creek topic of interest? Then, click HERE to include yourself on a mailing list that can provide you with the information.

Find previous

Cave Creek Corner e-newsletters by clicking HERE.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Some email providers may not load this newsletter in its entirety, in which case you will need to scroll to bottom left and click "View Entire Message" (in the white field). You may also need to click at the top to see images. You'll know you've reached the end of the newsletter when you see the word "END."

Click HERE for the video of Cave Creek's Mayor Morris' January 29 State of the Town meeting.

Click HERE or the above image to read the informative Winter 2025 edition of the Town of Cave Creek's quarterly publication called the Cave Creek Prospector.

You can find Town agendas and related material by clicking HERE.

Current

Fire Danger

is...

Moderate

with

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

For vital fire prevention info to protect your home and family click HERE.

We love our desert home.

Let's protect it!

Cave Creek Weather

Corner

Click the image for Cave Creek weather info.

March

Event

Corner

Feb 28 & Mar 1: Belgian Waffle Race - Stagecoach Village (Info HERE)

Mar 1 (10am-2pm): Kiwanis Family Fun Days “Archaeology Expo”- (free) Cave Creek Museum (Info HERE)

Mar 7-9 (10am): Fine Art & Wine Festival - Stagecoach Village (Info HERE)

Mar 9 (3-5pm): Concert for Conservation - (Fundraiser for Desert Foothills Land Trust) Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (Info HERE)

Mar 13 (3:30pm): Wildfire Preparedness in Cave Creek - Cave Creek Fire Station (Info HERE)

Mar 15 (8am-noon): Spring Brush, Branches, & Weed Roundup - Town Sponsored at Water Ranch (Info HERE or read article)

Mar 15/16 (All Day): Cave Creek Cutting Horse Association - Cave Creek Memorial Arena Rodeo Grounds (Info HERE)

Mar 15 (10am): High Desert Market - Frontier Town (Info HERE)

Mar 15 (10am - 3pm): Walk in Harmony at the Hollow - Harmony Hollow - DAC Signature Program (Info HERE))

Mar 17: Happy St. Patty's Day!

Mar 17 (6pm): Town Council Meeting - Town Hall Council Chamber (Info HERE)

Mar 20 (4pm): Local Landmarks Plaque Presentation - Memorial Arena Rodeo Grounds (Info HERE)

Mar 20 (6pm): Planning Commission Meeting - Cave Creek Council Chamber (Info HERE)

Mar 21-23: Sonoran Arts Festival - Holland Center (For info cal 480-575-6624)

Mar 22 (9am): Cave Creek Rodeo Parade - Parade starts at Cave Creek Town Hall (Info HERE)

Mar 25 (4-8pm): Miners Dinner - Cave Creek Museum Fundraiser (Info HERE)

Mar 25 (1-2:30pm): Jewish Women's Resilience, Resistance, & Survival in the Holocaust - Desert Foothills Library - Free, but registration required (Info HERE)

Mar 27 - 30 (9am): Cave Creek Rodeo Days - Memorial Arena Rodeo Grounds (Info HERE)

Mar 28 - Apr 6: Bike Week - Hideaway Grill/Roadhouse (Info HERE)

Click HERE for the calendar and Zoom links on the Town site.

Utility Department

Corner

Water Meter Replacement:

Begins March 3

Town of Cave Creek is working with Phoenix Water Solutions to replace old water meters across town. This work begins on March 3^rd.

Cave Creek Utility customers with water meters identified for replacement will be notified prior to the replacement. The process at each home will take less than an hour and requires a 10-15 minutes water disruption. Workers will notify residents by knocking on the door prior to shutting off water and will do their work at the meter location.

For more info call the Town at (480) 488-6620.

Community Corner

March 11 - 18

Invasive Species Treatment

at

Spur Cross

The National Park Service will be treating the following areas within the park for invasive species:

~ Entrance walk

~ Spur Cross and Metate Loop Trails

~Spur Cross and Tortuga Trails



If possible, please avoid these areas during this time. Info HERE.

Click HERE for a listing of Desert Foothills Land Trust Preserve's events and guided hike

sign-up options.

Have you renewed your Annual Cave Creek business license?

The cost is only $50. The process is online, quick, and easy! Plus, a benefit of an active Annual Cave Creek business license is the option for your free business promotion at the Cave CreekTourism Bureau. To renew...click HERE now.

In Memoriam

1928-2025

Lester Rechlin

Cave Creek sadly says Good-Bye

to Lester Rechlin

aka

"Mr. Cave Creek."

15th

Annual

Miner's Dinner

March 25

4-8pm

Come celebrate and support our Cave Creek Museum too. Be there for Wonderful Food...Wonderful entertainment...AND, one Wonderful Museum!

Info HERE

For Kids

& Community Grants

This win-win raffle is sponsored by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber Foundation (501c3).

Here's How It Works:

·      50% of the total funds raised goes to the lucky winner (Maybe you?).

·      The other 50% supports the Chamber Foundation, providing local scholarships to deserving students and community grants that strengthen our neighborhoods.

Raffle tickets are on sale now through March 27 and can be purchased HERE or at the Chamber office in Carefree. (Single tickets are only $10.) The winning ticket will be drawn on April 2 (or earlier if there's a ticket sell-out.)

Click HERE with questions you may have.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Yeeee Hawww!!!

Rodeo Days tickets are popular and sell out quickly, so don't be left out.

Get yours today.

The event is

March 27-30.

Buy your tickets now IF they're still available.

Just click HERE for info and tickets.

Shout-Out Corner

Kudo's to

Local Jonny's!

Hey, Cave Creek!

Our very own

Local Jonny's

was recently featured on an episode of America's Best Restaurant. Cool. Missed it?

Be sure to catch it HERE on youtube.

Learn what YOU can do to prevent fires.

Volunteer Opportunity for YOU at

Cave Creek Tourism Bureau

This is our busy season and things are hoppin'. If, like Connie, you're an outgoing person and lover of Cave Creek, then volunteering at the tourism bureau is for you! It's an easy, fun gig where you meet people from all over the world while sharing local info. Minimum shift commitment is 2.5 hours twice monthly. Click HERE for more info or or call Nina at (602) 622-7461.

Find the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau HERE.

A Cool Site for a digital list of Businesses & Events in Cave Creek

~

Click HERE.

Banner

Photo Credit:

Courtesy of Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Guess It

Corner

Such a beautiful place of tranquility in Cave Creek!

Where?

February's Answer: YES! Green aliens of all sizes have invaded Southwest Bedazzle in Cave Creek. Don't worry, though...They're friendly - as are all the Earthlings in the shop. Stop by and say hello.

A-Day-in-the- Life Corner

Bella, Cave Creek's 2023 Rodeo Days Teen Queen, is in her element at Cave Creek Saddlery where she smiles while at work on a saddle repair.

Supporting Our Locals Corner

Lovin' Our Locals

Our Cave Creek shops, galleries, and restaurants can provide impressive items and gift cards you won't find anywhere else.

Best of all...they're close to home and you will beat all the Valley traffic.

~

We love our local shops, restaurants, and services. Let's support them with our business.

Click HERE to access the Desert Foothills Library's January, February, and March program listing called

Information Highways.

***

Supporting one another is what it's all about!

***

Let's Respect & Preserve Our Beautiful Desert

~

Please remember... motorized bikes and ATV's are not allowed on or off hiking paths and washes.

Merchant Marketing Corner

You've Got a Great Business?

Shout it Out!!!!

Cave Creek Guide is website chock-full of Cave Creek town core info created by a fellow Creeker for the benefit of residents, visitors and Cave Creek town core brick n' mortar businesses. For info on free promotion click HERE!

~

Community Partners is a "One hand washes the other!" marketing opportunity where both local small businesses and local non-profits support one another. Check it out and get more info HERE!

~

Instagram: Dale Samar of the Cave Creek Visitors Guide offers free promotion on The Cave Creek Visitor's Guide's Instagram account. Contact Dale at 602-799-7335.

~

And don't forget: The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau is a free marketing opportunity for licensed Cave Creek businesses. Yes. It's a free service of the Town of Cave Creek. For info and sign-up form, go to the tourism bureau webpage by clicking HERE.

Spark Generating Work

CAUTION!

Let's be serious about spark-generating work!

Workers MUST have an active hose nearby.

Let's prevent the one spark that can ignite.

*PLEASE*

Life-Saving Whistle

Get yours FREE at Cave Creek Town Hall and at the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau.



Stay Safe! Have your whistle with you when you enjoy our beautiful and unique Sonoran Desert surroundings

Safety First!

Always!!!

CodeRED is an emergency alert system. Cave Creek residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in order to receive electronic alerts in the event of an emergency.

Be Safe-Don't Be Sorry!

Click HERE to register now for direct alerts from the Town of Cave Creek in the event of a crisis.

KEEP READING TO THE NEXT COLUMN:

What?

You don't see it?

Remember....

Some email providers may not load this newsletter in its entirety, in which case you will need to scroll to bottom left and click "View Entire Message" (in the white field). You'll know you've reached the end of the newsletter when you see the word "END."

“Rodeo ain’t no ordinary life, but

a cowboy ain’t no ordinary man.”

~ Tracy Byrd

March

2025

Feature Corner

Ride 'Em Cowboy!

The History of Rodeo in Cave Creek

By N. Spitzer

It’s said rain symbolizes new beginnings, good fortune, and abundance. It must be true, because on April 2, 1977 Cave Creek’s very first rodeo opened to a light drizzle that later became a downpour. Nonetheless, excited Saturday spectators jammed the stands and looked on, that is - until things became a bit too wet and muddy. That next day, skies cleared and a warm sun brought crowds that filled the bleachers plus 200 more against the fence. 

In 1977, Cave Creek was not yet an incorporated town, but a small, quiet, rural community of approximately 1,500 residents. One day, residents, Jim Wuestenberg, Vince Viti, and Jim Kracht, together got the wild idea that Cave Creek needed a rodeo.

“It was something that I wanted to do,” said Wuestenberg about the rodeo idea. “Cave Creek had nothing and so we wanted to start one,”

Vince Viti, who became one of the event organizers, agreed.

Organizers Vince Viti and Jim Kracht called the rodeo, “The biggest thing Cave Creek has ever seen.”

The rodeo was scheduled to coincide with the Desert Foothills Fiesta Parade. The plan was for the rodeo proceeds to fund what would be called the Desert Foothills Community Pool.

But, where would a rodeo be held?

Bob and Barb VanDyne volunteered their Lazy B7 Ranch (on the Tractor Supply Company property). Some neighbors, however, put thumbs down.

Property owners Chuck and Marianne Davis offered their land (currently where Cowboy Pizza is located). It was, however, raw desert in need of clearing.

The list of tasks involved was long, but excited residents were ready to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Organizer Viti, now 90-years old, looks back fondly, “This is rodeo country,” he says. “It’s interesting how everyone came out of the woodwork to help.”

“It was just a load of hard-working locals who started this,” says Ree Walsh, an original member of the rodeo committee.

Under the direction of organizers Viti and Kracht, an entire force of community volunteers joined together to make a Cave Creek rodeo become a reality. A variety of fundraisers were held to help fund the event. “It was easy because everyone helped,” says Viti.

So, it began. The land was cleared. Bleachers were located, transported, and set up. Fencing was erected. Competitions were organized and animals procured. Tickets were printed and the event was marketed to neighboring communities. It was a big job, but everyone pulled together to make it happen.

Russell Lunsford was a young cowboy in the Cave Creek Black Mountain Riders club and a competitor in that first rodeo’s slack bareback competition. “All the cowboys here wanted to compete,” So, says Lunsford, members of the group all came out to help.

Russell Lunsford 1977

Russell Lunsford

Kevin Willer, son of first rodeo association president Verne Willer, worked many years as a rodeo volunteer. He recalls selling those 1977 tickets from the field because there was no ticket booth. The tickets cost $2.50/adults, $1.00/children (under 6 free). Cave Creek’s Doris Binkley bought the first one.

The rodeo was held during Desert Foothills Fiesta Weekend. Linda Steiniger was the first Rodeo Queen. The event included traditional rodeo events plus a special, timed male-female team “Rescue Race.”

The Rescue Race was added for riders who were “not normally rodeo material.” A woman rode her horse from one end of the arena to the other and picked up (rescued) a passenger waiting beside a barrel, then rode around the barrel and returned to the finish line.

At that 1977 rodeo, David and Patti Byerley and daughters Chrissy and Tiffany set up a Cowboy Kitchen for rodeo participants. Kevin Willer recalls the food was free for cowboys. Those free meals were a big thing to participants and the tradition continues to this day with Glenn and Lisa Fahringer now in the kitchen cookin' up their best.

“Cave Creek became known for making sure no contestant goes away hungry,” according to long-time rodeo volunteer and former board member Beth Cornell.

That first rodeo was a huge success complete with prizes and buckles for entrants. Thanks to an entire community of residents and businesses working together, the event made a good profit and gained widespread area support, building excitement for the next annual rodeo.

Bob and Barb VanDyne again volunteered their Lazy B7 Ranch for the second of the “annual” rodeos. Maricopa County Board of Adjustments, however, failed to grant a temporary use permit, so there was no 1978 rodeo. To avoid legal fees for a court appeal, a barbeque was instead organized by the rodeo committee.

Happily, in 1979 the VanDyne’s Lazy B7 Ranch was granted a temporary use permit and the rodeo was back on the table! Once again, locals joined together to clear the new location and do the work involved in creating another successful Cave Creek rodeo, this one sponsored by American Legion Post 34. That 1979 rodeo was an Arizona Rodeo Association (ARA) sanctioned event with its first Cave Creek ARA Rodeo Queen, Denise Boyd.

Denise Boyd - 1979 Rodeo Queen

Barbara (VanDyne) Barker, daughter of the Lazy B7 property owners remembers.“It was like having a party in your backyard. It was definitely fun.”

Official 1979 Rodeo Program Cover

The rodeo continued at Lazy B7 Ranch until 1983. In 1982, it was sanctioned for the very first time as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo with Denise Boyd again its Rodeo Queen. By now, rodeo was BIG in Cave Creek and the original thought of a community pool was no more.

A wrinkle in the 1983 rodeo occurred when LazyB-7 Ranch was again denied the required temporary use permit. A quick “Plan B” was needed. Scottsdale’s Rawhide Western Town was available but, the only date open was Easter weekend April 2 & 3. Fearing loss of the PRCA rodeo sanction, the rodeo was moved to Rawhide that year. It, however, met with a loss of profits due to the Easter weekend and being far from its Cave Creek home.

But good news was to come! Later in 1983, the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department (under the Bureau of Land Management) recommended the rodeo association be awarded a free 20-year lease on 10.3 acres of land in the Cave Creek Recreation area.

“The Groundbreaking Ceremony held this day was a dream come true,” said writer Gerri Wager after attending the 1983 groundbreaking event. Wager heard a nearby attendee say, “It’s our rodeo grounds and we’ll build it, and it’ll be ready for the ’84 Fiesta Days.”

By now, the community was accustomed to this huge task. The desert acreage was cleared. Dynamite was donated to break through rock. Water was hauled in. Heavy equipment was borrowed. The community came together with backhoe drivers, cat operators, welders, landscapers, rock gatherers, carpenters, painters, electricians, fundraisers, ticket sellers, a PR team, and more. Once again, through community and sponsor determination, passion and a lot of elbow grease, the job got done.

According to a Fiesta Days historian, “Volunteers were put to their ultimate sense of giving and sharing for good of community. The arena was completed in a rough state but in time for the 1984 rodeo.”

These beginnings, and some rough times in between, bring us to 2025 and a multi-event Cave Creek Rodeo Days in our wonderful Desert Foothills Memorial Arena, now seating over 8,000 attendees over four days, and a beautiful new sky box ready this month. Cave Creek Rodeo Days has become a cherished part of Cave Creek’s heritage, happening because of over 48 years of a dedicated community of volunteers, donations, and the generous support of rodeo sponsors.

“We are very fortunate,” says current Rodeo Board President Mike Poppenwimer, “to be in an area like Cave Creek where so many residents are behind the rodeo.” (Including its 450+ volunteers.)

From that first 1977 rodeo starting from nothing, Cave Creek’s rodeo has grown in size, numbers of competitors, volunteers, and attendees coming from all parts of the Valley – and the World.

Maybe the rain that fell on Cave Creek’s first rodeo did, indeed, bring future success and good fortune, but the reality is…It could not have happened without the camaraderie, determination, effort and sense of community that was the driving force making it Cave Creek's signature event.

YeeeHaw Cave Creek Rodeo Days!

Click HERE for info on our our current Cave Creek Rodeo Days event.

Click HERE to become a Cave Creek Rodeo Days sponsor.

Click HERE to become a Cave Creek Rodeo Days volunteer.

"Cave Creek Rodeo is the signature celebration of both our western heritage and our identity as a visitor destination."

~ Mayor Bob Morris

~

Many Thanks for your research and help!!!

Barbara (VanDyne) Barker, Ernie Bunch, Carol Caldwell, Cave Creek Museum, Beth Cornell, Luke Kautzman, Russell Lunsford, Jen Miles, Mayor Bob Morris, Mike Poppenwimer, Patty Pollnow, Darlene Southern, Heather Viti, Vince Viti, Viti Caregiver Keith, Ree Walsh, Kevin Willer, Jim Wuestenberg

Photos:

1. First Rodeo (Courtesy Cave Creek Museum)
2. (Courtesy Cave Creek Museum)
3. (Courtesy of Vince Viti)
4. Jim Karcht and Vince Viti assessing clearing work for first rodeo (Courtesy Cave Creek Museum)
5. Russell Lunsford as a young cowboy (Courtesy Russell Lunsford)
6. Russell Lunsford today (N. Spitzer)
7. 1979 Rodeo Queen Denise Boyd (Courtesy Cave Creek Museum)
8. Official 1979 Rodeo Program (Courtesy Cave Creek Museum)
9. Rodeo Skybox Project (CourtesyTown of Cave Creek)
10. Celebrating the 1977 organizers in the parade (Courtesy Vince Viti)

Some Interesting Rodeo Links

A Brief History of Rodeo (Smithsonian Magazine)

World's Oldest Rodeo (Prescott, Arizona)

Congratulations to our 2025

Rodeo Days Royalty!

Sr. Queen Madisyn Desautelle (left)

Jr. Queen Kinsley Clifton (center)

Queen Julie Bloomfield (right)

Click HERE for glowing queen bios.

Photo Credit: Rhonda Murphy

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Parade

March 22 at 9am

Such fun!

You won't want to miss it.

The parade will start at Town Hall and ends

at Harold's Cave Creek Corral.

Photos: Courtesy of Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Parade info HERE.

The Mayor's Corner

Springtime in Cave Creek is Like No Other

By Mayor Bob Morris

Many people from around the country come to Arizona in the spring to catch a Spring Training game, play golf, and get out of the cold and into the sunshine. More and more of these visitors are selecting Cave Creek as their destination. With the Cave Creek Rodeo Days, Bike Week, shopping, restaurants, and incredible hiking opportunities, there is no better place to visit than Cave Creek. We are a town like no other.

There is so much to see and do in Cave Creek this time of year. The Cave Creek Rodeo Days kick off its celebration with the annual Rodeo Days Parade coming up Cave Creek Road on Saturday, March 22. The Kiwanis' traditional Mutton Bustin' event is a great family tradition on Sunday. If you like seeing cowboys try to ride a bull, then the All Bulls, All Night event on Thursday, March 27, is for you!

The actual rodeo weekend events begin on Friday, March 28, with three packed days of PRCA Rodeo performances and more to round out a weeklong celebration of an Arizona town's Western Heritage. If you like a different type of riding, If you like a different type of riding, you'll see plenty of it as Bike Week rolls into town.The Hideaway Grill/Roadhouse's 27th annual Cave Creek Bike Week starts March 28 through April 6. Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the region and country ride into town to socialize, shop, and dine.

With these fun events, unique shopping and dining, incredible scenery, and our cherished Western Heritage, Cave Creek is a town like no other.

The Marshal's Corner

Greetings from Marshal Stein,

I HATE sounding like a broken record however, once again we've had yet ANOTHER wildland fire. Folks this should be “common” sense...IF YOU ARE DOING ANYTHING that is SPARK GENERATING, (welding, grinding, cutting) HAVE A HOSE READY. Have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER READY!! 

I honestly do not care how long you've been plumbing, welding, cutting, ranching (you name it) and have NEVER caused a fire. I've heard all the excuses. The fact is, these fires are 100% AVOIDABLE and PREVENTABLE. 

I realize it's extra work to charge a water line and be ready. I know it's extra work to carry a fire extinguisher and have it beside you. BUT - have you any idea how much EXTRA WORK a fire is and the danger you place other people in?

NEIGHBORS, we ALL have a duty to protect our town. If you see someone doing something you feel can cause a fire and you don't see a hose and fire extinguisher nearby - call it in to my office at 480-488-6636 or the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency line at 602-876-1011. I would rather we come out and check than (Heaven forbid) have yet another PREVENTABLE FIRE.

Bike week begins at the end of this month. I know this may sound silly, but EXPECT delays. Thank you, in advance, for exercising patience and courtesy during the event. The deputies and I will do our part working diligently to keep the town safe and traffic flowing.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the Rodeo Days Parade and Rodeo this year. Buy your tickets early; those always sell out.

Stay Safe and Be Well,

Marshal Stein

Fire Department Corner

Wildfire Preparedness

in Cave Creek

March 13

The Cave Creek Fire Department will host two community meetings to discuss the town’s preparedness for any future wildfires in our area. The first meeting is Thursday, March 13, at 3:30p.m. at the 37402 N. Cave Creek Road fire station. The second meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the Desert Foothills Library.



In addition to the Cave Creek Fire Department, Daisy Mountain Fire District and the Tonto National Forest will have representatives at these meetings to provide information.

Be there to be ready!

Clean Up Corner

Be Fire-Safe.

March 15

Don't Miss it!

The Town of Cave Creek is holding two Spring Brush, Branches & Weeds Roundups, one on Saturday, March 15 and the other Saturday, April 19. Neighbors, here's our opportunity to pull out green waste, such as weeds, leaves, brush, and small branches that are around our homes and dispose of them at no charge. These items are the primary source of wildfire fuel. 

During the prior two Town Roundups, an amazing total of 40.87 tons of green waste was collected, contributing to the safety of both homes and our community. This was at a savings of $7731.55 to residents.

It's important that we create this defensible space to protect our homes and community from the devastation of a possible fire. These events are free to town of Cave Creek residents. One of the following proofs of residency will be requested: driver’s license, utility bill, or addressed piece of mail.

The event will be located at the Water Ranch, located at 4300 E. Carefree Hwy. Be prepared to unload the debris in Town designated areas.

Click HERE for Roundup info.

Local Landmarks Corner

Local Landmark Program to Honor Cave Creek Memorial Arena

By Fran Booth

On March 20 at 4pm, numerous citizens and town representatives will gather to present a Local Landmarks award in recognition of Cave Creek Memorial Arena. The Local Landmarks program, which is managed by Cave Creek Museum, awards community destinations with a brass plaque in celebration of being part of the town’s heritage.

Tracing its history back to the Bureau of Land Management providing public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, this property was identified as a place suitable to host the public. More than 45 years ago, the property hosted its first Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event.

The Cave Creek Rodeo remains an annual signature event for the community, with proceeds going to various other community non-profit organizations and improvements to the facility. The Town of Cave Cheek continually is making improvements to the cherished landmark in order to host future events both equestrian in nature and otherwise.

Photo: Courtesy of Town of Cave Creek

Cave Creek Tourism Bureau Corner

Rodeo Posters

Be sure to stop by the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau for your free Cave Creek Rodeo Days poster - while they last. This beautiful collector’s poster was once again the work of graphics designer Jen Miles.

The Cave Creek Rodeo Days event is the hottest ticket in the Phoenix area. It’s a fantastic and quite popular rodeo event and tickets sell out fast. Don’t be left out. Grab your tickets now - if any are still available. And, come to the tourism bureau to grab your free poster - if any are still available.

Click HERE to learn about the rodeo and its different events as well as for your ticket purchase.

The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau is here for you

Our 2024-25 Cave Creek Tourism Bureau Team

Happenings Corner

Feb 1/2 & 8/9: Cave Creek Winter Rodeo Series

Spectators enjoyed two weekends of rodeo events at the Cave Creek Rodeo Winter Series put on by Burris & Sons. Cowboys and cowgirls were cheered on as they competed in traditional rodeo events in the true spirit of Cave Creek. This community rodeo was held for its second year at Cave Creek's Memorial Arena and will return to Cave Creek in 2026. The main sponsor for the rodeo was Hansen's Cowboy BBQ.

Photo Credit: Wade & Denise Hansen

~

Feb 11: Groundbreaking for Daisy Mountain Fire Station 144

On February 11, the Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical held a special groundbreaking  ceremony for the new Fire Station 144.The new station will be staffed by the Cave Creek Fire Department and Daisy Mountain. It is ideally situated at the corner of 24 Street and Cloud Road to improve safety for our communities. The new station will open in 2026.

This new fire station is being built by Willmeng Construction and designed by Perlman Architects of Arizona

Photo: Town of Cave Creek

~

Feb 17: Cave Creek Rodeo Days Sponsor Awards & Gratitude Dinner

Our Cave Creek rodeo is the success it is due to the tremendous support of its sponsors and the dedicated work of its volunteers. On Feb 17, thank you was expressed by the rodeo committee to approximated 50 of the rodeo's corporate sponsors and the 450+ volunteers who make it all happen. Pictured are Cave Creek Rodeo Days Board President Mike Poppenwimer (behind aerial photo of the rodeo grounds) and Board Vice-President Mike Frederickson.

Photo: Courtesy of Cave Creek Rodeo Days

~

Feb 19: 2025 Volunteer Leadership Appreciation Dinner

It was a beautiful evening at El Encanto Mexican Restaurant where the Town of Cave Creek recognized leaders of the volunteer commissions and groups who provide such a valuable service to the Town. Representatives from the following groups were recognized: Board of Adjustment, Community Grant, Keep American Beautiful, Morningstar Ad Hoc Taskforce, Planning Commission, Tourism Bureau, Trail Volunteers, Utilities Advisory Committee, Volunteer Reserve Deputy Marshal, and Town Council. Town Staff was also recognized for their efforts, as well.

~

Feb 19: Carefree*Cave Creek Chamber's 60th Anniversary Celebration

A grand time was had by all at the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber's 60 Anniversary Celebration. About 100 guests were in attendance at the event including members of the local merchant community and friends, as well as Carefree Mayor Crane and John Representative David Schwiekert. The Chamber was established in 1965 and has been committed from its start to representing the interests of its members (currently 350) to the public and elected officials. "We are honored to reflect on 60 years of accomplishments," said Steve Feld, Chamber President/CEO, "and grateful for the dedication of our members, volunteers, and community partners.

Photo Credit: Steve Feld & Adam Skalleberg

~

Feb 20: Local Landmarks Ceremony: Cave Creek Regional Park

Many turned out at the Cave Creek Regional Park's Nature Center on a beautiful Cave Creek Thursday to celebrate its awarding of a Local Landmarks bronze plaque. Cave Creek Regional Park offers 3,000 acres of pristine desert for unique opportunities for camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding through the hills with trail connections to the greater regional trail system. Accepting the plaque and the honor from Mayor Bob Morris was Parks Superintendent Jennifer Johnson. The plaque includes a QR code which inter-connects Cave Creek's celebrated landmarks to a storytelling map.

Top Photo: Local Landmarks Plaque (Town of Cave Creek)

Bottom Photo: Cave Creek Mayor Morris and hands Local Landmarks plaque to Parks Superintendent Jennifer Johnson (Town of Cave Creek)

Background Info: Fran Booth

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Mayor

Robert Morris

Vice-Mayor

Kathryn Royer

Council Members

Tom Augherton

Cynthia Driskell

Joe Freedman

Thomas McGuire

Dusty Rhoades

Town Manager

Grady E. Miller

Deputy Town Manager

Teresa Riza

~END~