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Carefree Connection:

January 2024

January Overview

What's happening this month?

Happy New Year! The January Carefree Connection is here with exciting events, town meeting reminders and last month highlights. Carefree Garden Seminar Series is back with it's first session, perfect for gardening enthusiasts. Get involved in the community by attending this month's Town Meetings. Enjoy a fun Movie Night hosted by Desert Foothills Land Trust that's perfect for all ages. Learn about the next steps to become a council member Make sure to support our local Cub Scouts in their Christmas Tree Recycling Fundraiser. Let's also take a moment to revisit the highlights from last month's holiday festivities. Get ready for a month filled with community, learning, and family fun!

Carefree Garden Seminar Series


We are thrilled to announce the first session of our Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar Series!


Join us on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion to learn about Creative Container Gardening featuring Noelle Johnson.


Be inspired as Noelle Johnson, also known as 'AZ Plant Lady,' shares her favorite tips for creating beautiful container plantings with the newest varieties of annual flowers to growing shrubs, succulents and even vegetables.


Learn more about the upcoming seminars with the button below. 

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Desert Foothills Movie Night

Desert Foothills Land Trust presents "Desert Dreams," a stunning documentary showcasing the beauty and biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.


Grab the family and join us at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion for an evening of cinematic wonder. This internationally award-winning film will transport you through five seasons of one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Educational, entertaining, and fun for all ages, you won't want to miss this special experience.


There will also be a special Q&A with producer, author, and photographer Thomas Wiewandt. Space is limited, so reserve your seat now down below!

Visit DFLT Website

Thunderbird Artists 31st Winter Fine Art & Wine Festival


Come experience the award-winning Thunderbird Artists Winter Fine Art & Wine Festival starting Friday, Jan. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.!


This juried fine art festival features 155 world class artists from across the globe, live music, wine tasting, microbrews and spirit sampling ($15), delectable edibles and sweet treats, all surrounded by unique shops, restaurants and cafes in our quaint town of Carefree! Admission is just $5, and parking is FREE. Altogether, this event promises to be a weekend you'll always remember.

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Grind & Gears Bike-a-Thon


Be part of the movement at the Grind and Gears 1st Annual Bike-A-Thon on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 8 a.m.!


Join the 10-mile road or 30-mile mountain bike ride for $125. All proceeds will support the Mirror Dog Foundation's fight against Child Abuse & Trafficking. The foundation brings together nonprofits, philanthropists, and artists to share compelling stories of triumph and healing. Make sure to participate in the silent auction as well!


Learn more and donate at www.mirrordogfoundation.org.

January Council Meeting

Join us for the January Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, starting at 5 p.m.


If you want to watch from home join the livestream HERE. View the agenda by clicking the button below.

View Agenda

Carefree Water Company Meeting

Join us for the Carefree Water Company meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, starting at 4:30 p.m.


If you want to watch from home join the livestream HERE. View the agenda by clicking the button below.

View Agenda

Board of Adjustment Public Hearings

Join us on Monday, Jan. 8, for two Board of Adjustment Hearings regarding the locations below:

5:00 p.m. - 35622 N. Tom Darlington Dr

5:15 p.m. - 36232 Peaceful Place

Join the livestream by clicking HERE.

View Agenda

Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting

Join us for the EDAB meeting on Monday, Jan. 8, starting at 5:30 p.m.


If you want to watch from home join the livestream HERE. View the agenda by clicking the button below.

View Agenda

Community Conversations: Connecting with Carefree

Stop by the Visitor Center on Friday, Jan. 12, between 9 -11 a.m. to bring our community closer together through open and meaningful dialogues with Mayor John Crane and dedicated Council Members.

View Event

Cub Scouts Christmas Tree Fundraiser

In the spirit of the season, the scouts will be spreading holiday cheer while promoting sustainability through their upcoming Christmas tree recycling project. On Saturday, Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Cub Scout Pack 603 will be actively collecting Christmas trees within designated neighborhoods, and residents can also drop off their trees at the local Lowe's for recycling. 

 

This initiative not only supports eco-friendly practices but also strengthens community bonds. Donations are greatly appreciated as this project serves as the primary fundraiser enabling all Cub Scouts in Cave Creek to participate in various enriching activities, including campouts, service projects, and community events. 

 

We extend our gratitude to our supporting partner, Arizona Tree Trimmers, for making this initiative possible. The tree recycling drop-off point at the Lowe's Parking Lot (Carefree/Cave Creek Rd) is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local businesses and the Cub Scouts.  

 

For any questions please reach out to: christmastrees4scouts@gmail.com


Carefree Drive Street Restrictions

An old County installed drainage structure will be replaced by the Town near Carefree Drive and Cave Creek Road. Please note that there may be delays or detours during construction.  


  • Timeline: The construction is expected to last several months, with an anticipated completion date in late March. However, this is subject to weather conditions.
  • Restrictions and Closures: During the construction period, there will be restrictions and closures in the specified section of Carefree Drive.
  • Traffic Signs: It is essential for drivers to observe all traffic signs in the affected area. These signs will guide motorists and ensure their safety during construction.


The Town will continue to provide updates regarding the project, as construction timelines can sometimes be affected by unforeseen circumstances.


If you have any questions, please email info@carefree.org or give us a call at 480-488-3686

Temporary Water Shut-Off

On Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., scheduled repairs will take place at the Paint Pony Drive and Sombrero Road intersection. As part of this repair, there will be a temporary water shut-off, and notices will be delivered to affected customers. Please be advised that this repair will impact approximately half of the intersection.


If you have any questions, please email office@carefreewaterco.com or give us a call at 480-488-9100.

Council Member Seats

Three (3) council member seats of the Carefree Town Council will be open for the upcoming primary election being held on August 6, 2024. The seats are elected to a four-year term.


Candidate Packets are available at the Carefree Town Hall beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2024, during normal business hours. Interested candidates must sign for a packet. 


Please also note the legal requirement for completing and filing a Statement of Interest with the Town clerk prior to obtaining any signatures on the Nomination Petition Paperwork.

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December Highlights

Amazing Moments from Last Month

Carefree Lights Up


The Carefree Lights Up event was a beautiful celebration filled with community spirit. People enjoyed music from the Desert Hills Presbyterian Bell Ringers & Carolers while waiting for the countdown. Mayor John Crane shared wonderful holiday words, and when the tree lit up, everyone moved to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion for a delightful Christmas Concert with classics by Kevin Glenn & the Areas, featuring dance numbers from The Desert Cactus Kickers. It was a joyful night of music and community.


Photos provided by Herb Hitchon.

 

Kiwanis Christmas


Kiwanis of Carefree held its annual “Kiwanis Christmas for the Kids” at the Sanderson Pavilion on Saturday, Dec. 2!


More than 500 kids and their families attended the happy event, where everything was free—hot dogs, hot chocolate, popcorn, the bouncy house, hay rides, face decals, ceramic painting, games and Christmas music. And a surprise appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa!


But the highlight of the day was the bicycle raffle, in which 60 shiny brand-new bikes were given to 60 overjoyed kids. Many thanks to Kiwanis members, volunteers and the folks from Carefree and Cave Creek who made the day so enjoyable and rewarding!

View Holiday Newsletter

Chanukah in Carefree


The Chanukah in Carefree event was held Thursday, Dec. 7 through Thursday, Dec. 14 and once again grew in attendance and brought lots of light to the community. Some highlights include featuring the Cave Creek Unified Education foundation (CCUEF) as the selected Spirit of Giving recipient that both the business community and the local attendees supported to the tune of almost $4,000.00. CCUEF is a great support to the schools and teachers and children in our community. Another local organization, Purse Impressions, was the selected Tzedakah for Shabbat Chanukah, for which hundreds of pocketbooks were donated to help those in need at rehab centers throughout our area. Lots of programs, songs, games, traditional foods, delicious coffee and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all. Check out our gallery of pictures and videos from our past year's celebrations HERE. You can support Chanukah in Carefree 2024 by visiting chanukahincarefree.com and “Help Us” bring more light to the community again next year!


Photos provided by Herb Hitchon.

Kiwanis Ribbon Cutting


Kiwanis Club of Carefree had a great evening celebrating their new office in the Town of Carefree with the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce! A ribbon was cut to mark the official opening and participants enjoyed food and fellowship.

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Wreaths Across America Day


On National Wreaths Across America Day, The Black Mountain Foothills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, adorned veterans’ resting places in the Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery in Carefree with wreaths to spread holiday joy and to honor those who have served.


The ALR, American Legion Riders, from the American Legion Post 34 in Cave Creek participated in this heartfelt tribute.

January Event & Meeting Calendar

Closures This Month:

New Years Day - Jan. 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan. 15

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Carefree Art Night


Stroll around town and discover our local galleries during Carefree Art Night on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 4 - 7 p.m.!

View Event

Carefree Fridays


Join us every Friday evening from 5 - 9 p.m. to experience Carefree restaurants and shops after the sun sets!

Learn More

Town of Carefree | 8 Sundial Cir, Carefree, AZ 85377 | info@carefree.org

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