|
Carefree Connection:
December 2024
| |
December Overview
What's going on this month?
| |
Get ready for the holidays and stay in the know! December is bustling as we wrap up Carefree’s 40th Anniversary celebrations with the VIP Cocktail Party. Join us for Carefree Art Night, celebrate the season with Chanukah in Carefree, and enjoy live music at Sanderson Saturdays. Stay informed with updates on the street pavement project, open seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and this month’s meetings. Don’t miss our stormwater tips for eco-friendly pressure washing and a Business Highlight featuring the beloved Bosco's Biscuits. Plus, revisit highlights from last month and explore upcoming community events to end the year on a festive note. 🎄 | |
VIP Cocktail Party - 40th Anniversary
Join us for an elegant evening filled with classical music under the glow of candlelight, with hors d’oeuvres and drinks from local restaurants and distilleries, as we conclude the Town’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. This special gathering is the perfect opportunity to honor Carefree’s past while embracing the promise of what’s to come. Warm cocktail attire is suggested.
$40 Ticket
The $40 is a required donation that pays for food and beverages with 40% of the proceeds going to the Foothills Caring Corps. One ticket per person. Tickets are limited.
Get your ticket by clicking the button down below.
| | |
Carefree Art Night - Small Works, Big Talent
Immerse yourself in Carefree Art Night on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 4 - 7 p.m., where our town’s diverse galleries come alive with creativity and culture. Wander through picturesque streets, connect with talented local artists, and enjoy live music, delightful refreshments, and an atmosphere of celebration.
This month’s theme, Small Works, Big Talent, invites you to explore a curated collection of smaller-scale masterpieces—ideal for holiday gifting. Discover affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of our local artists, perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday season.
In addition to stunning art, enjoy lively entertainment as local musicians perform at various locations. Many galleries will feature artist talks, live demonstrations, and special exhibits, offering a closer look at the creative process. It’s a perfect evening to gather with friends, make new connections, and embrace the spirit of the season. Carefree Art Night is more than an event—it’s an experience that captures the essence of what makes our community so special.
| |
Chanukah in Carefree
For the 8th year, Chanukah in Carefree will host its nightly holiday celebration including lighting our 6 ½ foot tall Chanukkiah (menorah) and singing Chanukah songs for all eight nights of Chanukah. The event will take place from Wednesday December 25th to Wednesday January 1st starting each night at 5:30 pm in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in Carefree, AZ.
Each evening, there is a program hosted by a different organization and many nights will feature Chanukah delicacies like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Coffee, hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be served every night. Chanukah in Carefree will be collecting food items and raising money for Foothills Food Bank each night by selling raffle tickets and holding a silent auction for wonderful items donated by the business community. Winners will be announced every night with the largest ticket items, including a two-night hotel stay/use of facilities at Civana Wellness Resort, beautiful jewelry from Grace Renee Gallery and a fantastic stay in Hammock Cove in Antiqua, all to be announced on the last night of Chanukah, Community Night, led by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce.
We are thrilled to announce some very special happenings on our schedule. Please join us in thanking Cantor Wolman as this will be his final Chanukah in Carefree before his departure from Temple Chai. Cantor Wolman has been an integral part of our annual celebration and Temple Chai Musical Night (12/26) promises to be a very special night! Also on Temple Chai Night, State Senator John Kavanagh of District 3 will be joining us. And on Holocaust Night (the 5th Night of Chanukah (12/29), Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin, who was instrumental in securing funding for the new Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, will be joining us.
Learn more by clicking the button below.
| | |
Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays
Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays are here and adding to the lively atmosphere of the Carefree Town Center on select Saturdays! Enjoy casual concerts featuring talented local musicians and bands. These performances 1 - 3 p.m. add a charming touch to our small-town, creating the perfect background for a leisurely stroll through the streets, shopping, or enjoying lunch at a restaurant. Don't forget to explore our local shops offering art, jewelry, western goods, lunch, and more while you're here!
Check out the December and January line-up below:

- Dec. 14 - Performing Outreach Project Dance Group
- Dec. 21 - Ten Dollar Wedding
- Jan. 4 - Ben Bolt
- Jan. 11 - Henry Molder
- Jan. 25 - Chuck Hall
| |
|
Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 3, starting at 5 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the Regular Town Council Meeting. View the agenda HERE.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
| |
|
Development Review Board Meeting |
Join us for the Development Review Board Meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers. View the agenda HERE.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
| |
|
Community Conversations: Connecting with Carefree | Join us on Friday, Dec. 13, from 9 - 11 a.m. to bring our community closer together through open and meaningful dialogues between your Mayor, John Crane, Councilmember Diane Roth, and Councilmember Sheila Amoroso. | |
Street Pavement Project - Cave Creek & Tom Darlington | |
Project Location :
- Tom Darlington Drive from Leisure Lane to Cave Creek Road
- Cave Creek Road from Scopa Trail to Carefree Drive
- Cave Creek Road from Carefree Highway to Sentinel Rock Road
- Galloway Drive and Branding Iron Drive
Work Being Performed:
- The top 2.5 inches of asphalt will be milled and replaced with new asphalt on Tom Darlington Drive, Cave Creek Road and Ed Everett Way.
- Due to failing sub-base on both Galloway Drive and Branding Iron these sections of streets will receive a new compacted base and new asphalt.
- Temporary striping will be placed on new asphalt after asphalt is installed. Final thermo striping and raised reflectors will be installed after 30-day asphalt curing period.
| | |
Construction Impacts:
During the construction process, please note that there will be lane restrictions. Please slow down and adhere to construction flaggers and/or signage. Please also note, for a limited time, there may not be lane demarcations/striping. Once new pavement is installed, temporary paint will be applied to demarcate lanes until asphalt cures and final striping and reflectors are applied in January.
Project Funding:
This $3 million asphalt replacement project is funded by the Town’s saving account, its Capital Reserves. These Reserves are funds earmarked for maintaining the Town’s aging infrastructure such as the public streets, one of the largest capital expenses the Town annually invests its resources.

Thank you for your patience as the Town continues to work towards improving our public streets.
| | |
Planning and Zoning Commission Openings | |
The Town of Carefree is currently seeking applications for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission also serve on the Development Review Board, Board of Adjustment, and Economic Development Advisory Board as needed. Currently, three seats are up for appointment.
Persons interested in being appointed must be at least 18 years old and a qualified elector (registered voter) residing within the Town boundaries. Commission members serve without compensation. The Town is particularly interested in candidates who:
- Contribute to discussions in a constructive manner
- Maintain timely and consistent attendance at meetings
- Approach all matters with an open mind and treat their fellow Board/Commission members, staff and the public with respect
- Listen
- Prioritize the public interest and how best to further the well-being of the community.
Additional information regarding the role and responsibilities of the Planning and Zoning Commission can be found in Section 3.02, Section 3.03, and Section 3.04 of the Town of Carefree Zoning Ordinance online or by contacting the Town of Carefree at 480-488-3686.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, including a statement of qualifications, completed application, and resume, to Samantha Gesell, Planning Coordinator, Town of Carefree, P.O. Box 740, Carefree, Arizona 85377.
All applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Three appointments will be made by the Town Council on January 7, 2025.
| |
Large Waste and Recycling Disposal Sites
Are you looking for a place to take bulk trash and recycling? The closest option for Carefree residents is the Cave Creek Transfer Station, which serves the community by accepting bulk green waste on a quarterly basis. To make your visit efficient and hassle-free, consider these helpful tips: avoid peak times, such as the last hour of operation (3:30–4:30 p.m.) on weekdays, and plan for lighter traffic on Wednesdays. The station provides tools to help you clean out your vehicle and the unloading area. If you have a large load that requires extra time to unload, aim to arrive early enough to finish before closing. Remember to separate recyclable materials to streamline the process and contribute to sustainability efforts.
| | |
Upcoming CPR Class
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, making quick action crucial. Performing CPR immediately can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
Take the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill at the Carefree Fire Department’s CPR class on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carefree Fire Station. Classes are FREE for Carefree residents For details or to register, email CarefreeFD@gmail.com.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Looking to help others in another meaningful way? The Red Cross will host a blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 10:00 a.m., also at the Carefree Fire Station.
By donating, you could help save lives during a time when blood supplies are often critically low. Keep an eye out for more details and make plans to give back this holiday season! For details or to register, email CarefreeFD@gmail.com.
| | |
Pressure Washing Do's and Dont's | |
Keeping your driveway clean with a pressure washer can be effective, but it’s essential to do so responsibly to protect local waterways and comply with stormwater regulations. Follow these do’s and don’ts to get the job done right:
DO:
- Sweep First: Remove debris like leaves, dirt, and trash before washing to minimize pollutants in runoff.
- Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Opt for biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment.
- Block Runoff: Use berms, sandbags, or other barriers to prevent wastewater from flowing into storm drains.
- Collect Wastewater: Use a wet vacuum, pump, or other methods to capture wash water and dispose of it in a sanitary sewer system.
- Hire Professionals: Choose certified contractors familiar with stormwater rules if you’re unsure about proper techniques.
DON’T:
- Use Harmful Chemicals: Avoid detergents or solvents that can harm aquatic life and water quality.
- Allow Runoff to Enter Storm Drains: Never let untreated wash water flow into storm drains or onto streets; it could carry pollutants into local waterways.
- Skip Disposal Steps: Don’t ignore the need to collect and properly dispose of wastewater; it’s both a legal and environmental requirement.
- Assume All Soaps Are Safe: Not all cleaners labeled "biodegradable" are stormwater compliant—read the labels carefully.
- Pressure Wash Without Prep: Neglecting pre-cleaning can lead to clogged stormwater systems and increased pollution.
By following these guidelines, you’ll protect the environment, stay compliant, and ensure your driveway sparkles without harm to our water systems!
| | |
Business Highlight:
Bosco's Biscuits
| |
For 20 years, Bosco's Biscuits has been a cherished part of Carefree, known for its heart, passion, and high-quality pet products.
The business was founded by Allison, whose journey began all the way back in New Jersey when her own dog was recommended homemade food for health reasons. Discovering a lack of healthy dog treats on the market, she created her own recipe and began selling biscuits at flea markets after relocating to Arizona in 2000. First, she started out in a small kitchen space in Cave Creek and later moved to Carefree when she was inspired by her mother’s encouragement to expand and begin offering a full range of pet foods and products.
In 2022, Bosco's Biscuits expanded again, taking over the adjacent space in the Carefree Marketplace to accommodate its growing and loyal customer base, including snowbirds who eagerly stock up on treats and food for their pets when they come back to town. Now offering shipping, Allison remains deeply grateful for Carefree’s supportive and friendly community, sharing that her favorite part of being a business owner is the incredible people and their pets she gets to know.
| | |
Desert Foothills Land Trust Speaker Series: Starry Desert Nights
The Holland Center and Desert Foothills Land Trust invite the community to an enchanting evening of discovery at the upcoming Foothills Speaker Series event, "Starry Desert Nights." This free event will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center.
Featured speaker Jenny Hall from Paradise Valley Community College will guide attendees through the wonders of the night sky, unraveling the mysteries of the universe through the science of stars. Participants will have the unique opportunity to observe celestial bodies up close, using professional-grade telescopes provided by members of the local astronomy community.
FREE but space is limited, register today with the button below.
| |
Desert Foothills Theater: A Christmas Cinderella
'Tis the season to have a ball with Desert Foothills Theater! Join us at the Carefree Tree Lighting for a sneak peek at our upcoming youth show, A Christmas Cinderella, a holiday play perfect for the whole family.
Mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella gets help from her friends to attend the Prince's ball. Along the way, Santa lends his hand to bring more magic to Fairy Godmother's plan to give Cinderella the night of her dreams. In this holiday sing-a-long play, audiences will enjoy seeing familiar fairytale characters blend with holiday figures to deliver a magical story about how kindness is rewarded!
Buy a ticket for the show with the button below.
| |
November Highlights
Remarkable Moments from Last Month
| |
Carefree Concierge Tour
A huge thank you to all the concierges who joined us for our annual Carefree Concierge Tour! We strolled through town, visiting several restaurants to enjoy small tastes of their amazing food, sip on delicious drinks, and revel in their unique atmospheres. It was a night full of great food, good vibes, and happy, satisfied guests. Carefree truly appreciates you spending the evening with us and giving our incredible restaurant owners and their staff a chance to shine! Thank you to the Foothills Caring Corps for providing the transportation for the night! And thank you to the Hampton Inn Carefree Arizona or providing a perfect meeting spot along with the complimentary drinks!
Photo provided by Town of Carefree.
| | |
Carefree Lights Up!
Carefree Lights Up, our annual Christmas tree lighting event, was truly magical! The evening began with the Desert Hills Presbyterian Handbells and the Joyful Sounds choir group, setting the festive tone. The Mayor led the countdown to light the tree, followed by a beautiful performance of Christmas classics by Jubilate Conservatory of Music on their string instruments.
Attendees enjoyed fresh hot cocoa served by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree while waiting for the concert. The concert was filled with festive music, dances, and more. A big thank you to Kevin Glenn, the Desert Cactus Kickers, and the Performing Outreach Group for their wonderful performances. The night was a perfect blend of music, community, and Christmas magic!
Photos provided by Town of Carefree.
| |
Wings and Wheels - 40th Anniversary
What an incredible weekend! Our Wings & Wheels event celebrating Carefree’s 40th anniversary soared to new heights! Families, couples, and friends gathered to marvel at a stunning collection of planes and cars from our SkyRanch community members. The atmosphere was electric with delicious food, live music, and unforgettable moments. A huge thank you to Tommy and Kit for making this event possible! Special thanks to the Our Lady of Joy Youth Choir for their moving patriotic performances, and to Eddy Roswell, the Phantom Ranch Band, and Acoustic Habit for bringing the groovy vibes! We also want to extend our gratitude to Sanderson Lincoln for their support and for making this day even more special.

Photo provided by Town of Carefree.
| | |
15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Our 15th Annual Veterans Celebration was a powerful and emotional tribute! Filled with honor, respect, stories, music, and community spirit—it had us all crying, cheering, and dancing! A heartfelt thank you to Army Master Sergeant David Allwine & U.S. Marine Corps Captain Sophie Ripa for your inspiring stories along with Preston Westmoreland for being the MC. We are always grateful for the support and participation of the Cave Creek Boy Scout Troop #603, the Daughters of the American Revolution (Black Mountain Chapter), Honor Flight Arizona, and Imprints of Honor. Thank you to Annalyn Abraham from Cactus Shadows High School, the Carolyn Eynon Singers, and the Main Event band for bringing the event to life through music. Last but not least, we appreciate Carefree Coffee Roastery for providing the coffee for the event.
Photo provided by Town of Carefree.
| | |
Kiwanis Christmas - For the Kids
The Kiwanis Christmas event in Carefree was a festive celebration enjoyed by all! Highlights included bike giveaways, hayrides, exotic animals, balloon animals, and a special visit from Santa. Families delighted in free treats like cotton candy and hot dogs, along with games and prizes throughout the day. The event’s success was made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers who brought the holiday magic to life. Attendees are invited to share their favorite memories from this special day as Carefree looks forward to transforming into a winter wonderland again next year for another Kiwanis Christmas!
Photo provided by Town of Carefree.
| |
December Event & Meeting Calendar | |
Town of Carefree | 8 Sundial Cir, Carefree, AZ 85377 | info@carefree.org | | | | |