A publication of

The Town of Cave Creek

37622 N Cave Creek Rd.

Cave Creek, AZ

480-488-6600

Editor:

Nina Spitzer

Contributing Photographer:

Lynne Janney Russell

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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 or the above image to read the informative Spring 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...

HIGH

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.

Please Note: On May 5, Cave Creek Town Council meeting start time changes to 5pm.

May

Event

Corner

May 5 (5pm): Town Council Meeting - Cave Creek Council Chamber (Info HERE)

May 5 (6pm): "A Night of Excellence" - Kiwanis Club of Carefree at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center (Info HERE)

May 11: Happy Mother's Day!

May 15 (6pm): Planning Commission Meeting - Cave Creek Council Chamber (Info HERE)

May 19 (5pm): Town Council Meeting - Cave Creek Council Chamber (Info HERE)

May 26: Memorial Day Holiday - Town Hall will be closed in honor and remembrance of our American heroes.

May 28 (5pm):Utilities Advisory Committee Meeting - Cave Creek Council Chamber (Info HERE)

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

Water Supply Corner

Our Future Water

Click HERE for an important Town of Cave Creek video of the April 28 work session on the Town's water resource strategy.

Evacuation? Be Prepared.

Are you prepared in the event of an emergency that endangers your immediate community? Now, is the perfect time to learn of ways to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your home, because...Later may be too late. Click HERE to be "In-the-Know" for evacuation safety.

"A Night of Excellence"

2025

Kiwanis Club of

Carefree

May 5 at 6pm

Join this evening of inspiration, celebration, and community

pride as Kiwanis Club of Carefree celebrates the outstanding achievements of local scholarship recipients.

Admission to this complimentary catered reception is free.

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Location:

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center

33606 N 60th St, Scottsdale

Additional info HERE

Water Meter Replacement:

Continues

Through June 30

Town of Cave Creek is working with Phoenix Water Solutions to replace old water meters across town. This work began on March 3 and will continue through the anticipated completion date of June 30.

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.

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

sign-up options.

Purge Your Pantry

April 10 -

May 30

As temperatures rise, many Phoenix-area residents head to cooler destinations for extended vacations or return to their second homes. Before you go, Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center invites you to Purge Your Pantry by donating non-perishable food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to help local families in need.

Drop-Off Times at

6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Cave Creek

Monday-Friday:

8 AM – 2 PM

Saturday:

8 AM – 10 AM

May is for Membership

Chamber Launches Exciting May Membership Drive with Special Incentives

for New and Referring Members!

New Members

Join during the month of May and receive two complimentary tickets to one of our popular Monthly Business Breakfasts.

Current Members

Members who refer a new business that joins in May will receive

two free breakfast admissions and,

entry into a raffle for

a 3-month web ad on

the Chamber website.

Click HERE for

more info.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Learn what YOU can do to

prevent fires.

Are You a

"People Person?"

Our Cave Creek Tourism Bureau will soon be moving to a beautiful and busier new location in the Cave Creek town core. Our move will create additional volunteers opportunities!

If you are an outgoing person and a lover of Cave Creek, then volunteering at the tourism bureau may be for YOU! It's a great way to enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world while sharing info about our beloved Cave Creek area.

What a FUN gig!

Click HERE to get more info 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

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Click HERE.

Banner

Photo Credit:

"Costa’s Hummingbird on Lantana"

This Beautiful photo is by local photographer

Lynne Janney Russell

Guess It

Corner

Running water?

In a stock tank?

In Cave Creek?Where?

April's Answer: If you guessed The Medicine Man is the one welcoming in guests at Patina's on the corner of Cave Creek Road and Schoolhouse Road...you'd be correct. He'd love for you to step in and check out the wonderful variety of items inside.

A-Day-in-the- Life Corner

Tammy puts her skills to work with a smile at

Desert Dream Realty.

Supporting Our Locals Corner

UP, Up, and... Away!

Things are winding down in town as the weather warms up and our winter visitors return to their home states.

This is the time of year when business for our Cave Creek shops, galleries, and restaurants also winds down.

Let's do our best to support those local merchants we love.

Best of all...they're close to home and we will beat the Valley traffic by shopping local.

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

Click HERE to access the Desert Foothills Library's April, May, and June program listing called

Information Highways.

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Supporting one another is what it's all about!

***

It's Perfect ATV/OHV Weather,

BUT...

Let's Respect & Preserve Our Beautiful Desert

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Info on where to ride and not ride is HERE. Please remember - motorized bikes and ATV's are not allowed on or off hiking paths and washes in our area.

Merchant Marketing Corner

'Got a Great Business?

Then Shout

It Out!

Here's How...

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!

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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!

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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.

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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."

"The well of nature is full today. Time to go outside and take a drink." 

- Diane Ackerman 

May

2025

Feature Corner

Honoring Our Heroes

~

365 Days a Year

By N. Spitzer

The Cave Creek Museum will soon offer opportunities for honoring our American heroes with the upcoming completion of its Veterans’ Memory Garden.

The Veteran’s Memory Garden project’s goal is honoring our American heroes from all generations, whether still with us or not. It will be a special garden with separate areas dedicated to each branch of the military. According to co-project manager Steve Greenberg, the concept is, “We view all veterans, regardless of service branch, rank or role, as our heroes.”

The idea for the memory garden project goes back to 2022 when Museum guest speaker, Matt Scott of Sons of the American Revolution, mentioned the availability of a small plaque commemorating the memory of America’s unknown soldiers. With that, the seed was planted. Darlene Southern, board president at the time, said yes… "Let's memorialize our veterans with a plaque." The idea grew from a plaque, to a commemorative rock, then to the entire area in front of the museum. A committee was formed with co-chairs Steve Greenberg and Chris Kempster along with members of the museum’s Dream Team, representatives of Daughters of the American Revolution, and Cave Creek’s American Legion Post 34.

The final garden plan includes a redesign of the museum’s building frontage reflecting the unique style of the Cave Creek Mining District. Design work for this beautiful Veterans' Memory Garden was donated by Marc Viator of Viator Associates. The completed garden will consist of areas dedicated to the six branches of the U.S. military with each displaying their emblem and a custom art piece created by local master artists. The artists and veterans will collaborate so that each work of art expresses the vision of the veteran. The center of the garden will be a special location honoring Cave Creek's heroes and unknown fallen soldiers. 

The Veterans’ Memory Garden is not meant as a solemn memorial place, but rather an uplifting garden destination. Various areas will provide seating for reflection of loved ones who’ve served and contributed to our great nation.

The project will be competed soon. At that point, the garden will be open to the public seven days a week and available for special events and ceremonies. In order to complete the vision of this tranquil garden of honor, the Museum will be offering individuals, businesses and organizations donation opportunities for populating the garden with the plants, benches, emblems and artwork. Donations of dedication bricks and plaques will be available so names of loved ones can be included in a special garden location.

Click HERE for more information about Cave Creek Museum’s Veterans’ Memory Garden.

The Mayor's Corner

A Town Update from the Mayor

By Mayor Bob Morris

We made it through another successful Cave Creek Rodeo Days and Bike Week. Both events attracted record numbers this year. Representatives from CCR and the Town Marshal said attendance at these two events was the highest they've seen!

Cave Creek has much to look forward to going forward. One thing we've been anxiously waiting to finalize is the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has selected Cave Creek Rodeo Grounds as its new location. The Turquoise Finals is a great honor and opportunity for the Town. Comprised of rodeos and cowboy athletes in New Mexico and Arizona, the Turquoise Circuit is part of the circuit system devised by the PRCA. After the regular season, top competitors from each event qualify to compete at the circuit finals rodeo. The Finals are the first weekend in November at the Arena.

Town Council approved two contracts totaling $1,505,362.61 to repair and improve portions of 19 town roads by June 30. Completing these road projects will contribute to a measurable improvement of the overall inventory of Cave Creek roads as identified in the Town Council's Strategic Plan Goals.

I've written extensively about our wildfire season and how it is now a year-round danger. I want to thank Jim Ford, our Town's community risk reduction director, and firefighting experts from the Tonto National Forest, Arizona Department of Forestry and Management, Daisy Mountain Fire District, and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for their informative presentations on our region's preparedness when a wildfire occurs. By following the preventative measures presented, firefighters will have the best opportunity to protect you and your property. The most important yearly preventative measure you can do is to create a defensible zone around your home. Remove dead grasses, tree limbs, and weeds at least 30 feet from your home. Clear away or trim back bushes at least five feet from your driveways so you have a clear exit if you need to evacuate. I encourage you to click HERE to view the important and informative video of the presentation.

Also, if you haven't already done so, I urge you to register for CodeRed. It's free. It's easy. It's life-saving. The app will send a recorded message or text alert to CodeRed participants regarding what safety actions should be taken in an emergency such as a wildfire or flood. Click HERE for more information and CodeRed registration. If you're already registered with our CodeRed system, now is the time to ensure your information is current.

The Marshal's Corner

Greetings from Marshal Stein,

As many of you have noticed, new upgraded crosswalks have gone in through town. We have had many, many issues with vehicles not stopping for pedestrians attempting to cross the road in the crosswalks. Folks, state law REQUIRES you to STOP for any pedestrian in a crosswalk. The law further states that you must wait until such person has EXITED the roadway before proceeding. MCSO and I have pulled over quite a few people who have disregarded this law and not yielded to pedestrians in the crosswalk. If you're pulled over for failing to yield to crosswalk pedestrians, you WILL get a citation. You WILL NOT receive a break from me or the deputies. We will show you the same lack of courtesy you showed the pedestrian. Safety first.

I wish to take a moment and acknowledge the passing of Dr. Kevin Harris, DDS. For many years, Dr. Harris was a respected member of our Cave Creek community. His dental practice was located on Cave Creek Road prior to moving his practice to Scottsdale. Dr. Harris was an accomplished dentist, however his true passion was being an artist. Dr. Harris would tell you he was a dentist to support his artistry. I will miss Dr. Harris and his infectious smile. It is always a shame when someone is taken so young, and that pain is felt all the more when that someone was a friend.

The weather is getting hotter. Hydrate. Take a whistle on your hikes. DO NOT hike when temperatures get too hot if you are not accustomed to hiking. Waiting for temperatures to rise above 100 degrees and then suddenly deciding to take up a new hiking hobby is a BAD idea.

Stay safe. Stay hydrated.

Marshal Stein

Community News Corner

Saddling up for a new era: Harold's Cave Creek Corral welcomes new co-owners

One of Arizona’s most historic establishments, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, is starting a new chapter by welcoming new co-owners, Jim “Z” and Kris Ziebart of Carefree. Longtime co-owners Bill and Marie Vale have passed the torch to the Ziebarts, who are excited to join co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio in continuing Harold’s success while honoring the history and culture that Harold’s has experienced over the last 90 years.

“After more than 21 incredible years, our dear friends and longtime partners, Bill and Marie Vale, have decided to pass the torch,” said Danny Piacquadio, Harold's longtime co-owner and general manager. “Their leadership, dedication, and passion have helped shape Harold’s into the iconic gathering place it is today, fostering a strong community spirit, supporting local charities and schools, and making Harold’s a true Cave Creek institution.”

Bill Vale, who is affectionately known as “Harold’s Mayor,” often says that there’s something about Harold’s that brings people together. A master at networking, Bill connected like-minded people at the restaurant who came in as strangers and left as friends. 

It’s that type of sentiment that the Ziebarts will strive to continue.

“We have been friends with Bill and Marie for nearly eight years, and we have come to love Harold’s and the Cave Creek community,” Jim Ziebart said. “Kris and I have tremendous respect for Danny and Meri, and our primary goal is to keep Harold’s a locally owned restaurant and support the Harold’s team so they can continue to thrive.”

Continue reading this City Sun Times article HERE.

Photo: ( Courtesy of Harold's Cave Creek Corral)

Bill and Marie Vale pass the torch to Jim and Kris Ziebart, who join Danny and Meri Piacquadio as the popular country western bar and restaurant approaches its 90^th anniversary.

Cave Creek Tourism Bureau Corner

We're MOVING!

We, at your Cave Creek Tourism Bureau, are excited to announce…We’re MOVING! Our current Hidden Valley Road Drive location will remain open until May 25. Then, we’ll be packing up and moving to our amazing new location next to Dairy Queen in Cave Creek’s town core with July 4 planned as a soft opening of summer hours (Fri/Sat/Sun 10am-2pm).

Visitors and residents alike stop into the tourism bureau for information on local shops, restaurants, services, non-profits, parks and things to do. We volunteers have very much enjoyed greeting visitors at our current location, however we’re thrilled our new home will soon be right in the middle of town. There, we can continue doing what we do best – help market our fantastic merchants and our wonderful eclectic southwestern town, BUT to a much larger audience.

Tourism bureau face-to-face marketing is a free benefit to those businesses holding a Town of Cave Creek business license. This Includes a space on our tourism bureau rack wall, one-on-one marketing, and being listed as a participant in the Cave Creek Corner e-newsletter.

A note to Cave Creek businesses: As this visitor busy season winds down and you prepare for the next one, do think about the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau and our goal of supporting your success. As you prepare and order your rack cards for the new season, please do consider upping your quantity of reorders to help meet our tourism bureau’s anticipated increase in visitor stop-ins. We want to be fully prepared for sharing your business information with both the tourists and residents who come to us.

Feel free to contact the tourism bureau coordinator for suggestions on ways to best share your info with your rack card design.

Remember, July 4 is the planned soft opening at our new location. We hope you’ll stop by and say, “Hello!” and see our new home. (Watch for our updated webpage, as well.)

The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau is here for you

Coming Soon Corner

***A Honey of a Bee***

The “Coming Soon” at the corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway (formerly CVS Pharmacy) is here!  Well, almost. What seems to have emerged from the depths of the Earth…Rare Earth Gallery, that is... is a huge “Bumblebee” of Transformer movie fame, and passersby have been drawn to it like bees to honey for photo-opps. 

Speaking of transformation, Rare Earth owners Wayne and Chad (and their team) have also worked hard creating a “Rare Earth Gallery Fountain Art Walk” of 45-50 natural stone-custom fountains arranged along a meandering, desert landscaped path to the north and to the west around Bumblebee. Now, the corner of Rare Earth Gallery's new second location has been transformed into a unique, eye-catching installation at the entryway into our two unique towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. 

“We have the Eighth Wonder of the World in Cave Creek,” beams Wayne. 

So, Rare Earth Gallery continues to push the envelope with its unique, jaw-dropping "Art of the Earth." That’s the story on the outside of Rare Earth’s new location, BUT...What will be inside the building? It looks like we'll just have to wait and see...Coming Soon!

Shout Out Corner

The Secret Is Out!

According to e-newsletter Islands, the town of Cave Creek is one of Arizona's best-kept secrets. Of course, we all know that. But, now the secret is out with their April publication of a beautiful article a summarizing, in a nutshell, Cave Creek and its Western charm. Do take a moment and read the article HERE.

Local Landmarks Corner

A FUN Cave Creek Map

Are you curious about the many local landmark plaques presented throughout our Cave Creek community? Are you interested in local history? Then, this is for YOU. The Town of Cave Creek has created an interactive storytelling map as a guide for a local landmarks adventure. Check out the list and the map HERE! Have fun learning about Cave Creek and its past.

Cave Creek Real Estate Corner

A Buyer's Market

Our local real estate market values continue to hold steady.  Click HERE to read the Real Estate Market Report for March 2025 shared by Suzanne Brown, Director of Community & Government Affairs with Scottsdale Realtors.

Corrections Corner

Three More Locations of Free Libraries

So sorry...Three more of our area free libraries, sponsored by the Desert Foothills Library, were inadvertently omitted in last month's Cave Creek Corner. Two are located at our local YMCA and one in the Starbucks in town (also one in Carefree Garden). Those at the "Y" and Starbucks are inside on bookshelves.

Desert Foothills Library adult free books at Desert Foothills Family YMCA, 34250 N 60^th St, Scottsdale AZ 85266.

Desert Foothills Library children's free books at Desert Foothills Family YMCA, 34250 N 60^th St, Scottsdale AZ 85266.

Desert Foothills Library's free books at the Starbucks, 5310 E Carefree Highway, Cave Creek AZ 85331.

Photos & Info: Thanks Dana Tomlinson

Happenings Corner

March 28-April 6: Cave Creek Bike Week

They came from miles around for Hideaway Grill/Roadhouse’s 27th annual Cave Creek Bike Week. Attendees participated in contests, "free-spirited gypsy tours," witnessed custom builders, and more. Sounds of live music filled the air as the many vendors displayed their wares. Old friends reunited and new friendships were made. All shared in the magic of Cave Creek Bike Week.

Photo Credit: Tom Secor

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Apr 7: Mayor Morris' Civics Lesson

On Monday, April 7, Cave Creek’s Mayor Bob Morris gave a civics lesson to the Webelos Den Pack 603 about how a town council operates. He also shared his experiences as an Eagle Scout. Pack 603 consists of students from kindergarten through 5th grade students.

Photo: Town of Cave Creek

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Apr 12: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

The Kiwanis Club of Carefree held its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 12th in downtown Carefree. The pancake breakfast fundraise is one of many sponsored by Kiwanis in support of scholarships and youth programs.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree

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Apr 12: Walk, Talk, and Taste in the Park

This Kiwanis Family Fun Day event held at the Cave Creek Museum included presentations on what our first responders do in service to the community. Firefighters from Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical answered questions. They also brought their fire truck for families to examine up close.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cave Creek Museum

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April 13: Our First Responder Heroes

This Kiwanis Family Fun Day event held at the Cave Creek Museum included presentations on what our first responders do in service to the community. Firefighters from Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical answered questions. They also brought their fire truck for families to examine up close.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cave Creek Museum

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April-May30: Purge the Pantry

Members of the Cactus Shadows High School (Cave Creek School District) baseball team supported Foothills Food Bank's PURGE YOUR PANTRY community food drive last week by donating 238 pounds of food. The project was led by Coach Gianni who asked participants to bring food to his baseball clinic to support the community drive.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Foothills Food Bank

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April 22: Clean the Creek

Mayor Bob Morris and I had the pleasure of joining a great group of volunteers at Town Hall this morning for Cave Creek’s participation in the Greatest American Cleanup, an initiative that was launched to get our country looking its best for next year's 250th birthday celebration. Special thanks to Rancho Manana residents Tom and Debbie Secor for coordinating our local cleanup effort, covering the Carefree Highway Corridor all the way through to the town core. We made some significant progress in sprucing up our town! - Vice Mayor Royer

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Town of Cave Creek

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~