Fall is generally festival season in Arizona. The weather is perfect and winter visitors are in town, ready to shop, dine and explore. While residents can still look forward to the weather, so much else has been canceled, postponed or is still up in the air.

Taking its mission of “welcoming all members of the community as we challenge, inspire, educate, and entertain through theater arts” fully to heart, Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) is ready for a safe and exciting return to the stage.

Beginning Oct. 1, the Foothills Caring Corps will be expanding the qualifying trips for their medical transport program.

The Holland Center is a privately funded community center in the North Valley, serving North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Carefree and Cave Creek. The center offers activities throughout the month, ranging from classes, lectures, theater performances and more. Here are just a few of the events…

The Boulders has been honored by Smart Meetings as “one of the best in the industry.” The resort was lauded for service excellence and distinctive meeting facilities and named on the 2020 Smart Stars award list as “Best Executive Retreat.” “We are incredibly proud to continue to receive this…

There is a new program to help the community find their own path to better health by connecting with nature through outdoor activity. Born from an understanding that spending time outdoors is critical to overall physical and mental well-being, Desert Foothills Land Trust, with the support of…

Catherine Marr, owner of Venues Café says that offering a comfortable and safe place for people to enjoy comfort food with a Southwest flair is what her business is all about. The restaurant, located 34 Easy Street, has been a Carefree mainstay for 10 years. “Entering the two story, red awni…

Earlier this year, after 15 years of service, Debbra Determan announced her intention to retire as executive director of Foothills Caring Corps (FCC). An executive search was launched, which resulted in the hiring of Robin Cochran in August. We caught up with the new director last month and …

The Kiwanis Club of Carefree is currently investigating new projects to fund. They are asking organizations, businesses and individuals to submit a request to fund projects of $25,000 up to $1 million. The Project/Funds Committee has been formed to evaluate these requests. The request form c…

The Foothills Caring Corps (FCC) Spread Joy Convoy was busy sharing smiles and bringing happiness to its “Neighbors” in July and August. Caring Corps volunteers gathered at the FCC office every Tuesday and Thursday to decorate vans and their own vehicles. Neighbors are called the day before …

Liberty Utilities Sewer Rate Increase Request When dealing with the utilities that provide services within our Town, the Town of Carefree has a responsibility to address the common interests of our residents and businesses. In doing so, we must also make sure that proper service is provided …

The Town of Carefree announced in late June that, “in an effort to strengthen its working relationship with other municipalities and more effectively represent the interests of Carefree residents in important regional matters,” it has increased its representation within in the Maricopa Assoc…

The following statement and Proclomation was issued today by the Town of Carefree:   “Yesterday, Governor Ducey in conjunction with health officials held a news conference to discuss the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases within the State of Arizona. In part, at this news conference, Governor …

Thunderbird Artists Gallery offers a safe, spacious, inspiring way to rejoin the outside world By Nancy Pellegrini Best-selling author Julia Cameron said that “art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.” We may have spent our stay-at-home period reorganizing a…

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the country will remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our nation. Last year, the Town of Carefree inaugurated a Memorial Day tribute in the Carefree-Cave Creek Cemetery to honor those men and women. This year, the challe…

Christmas in Carefree returns to the Carefree Desert Gardens, with holiday-themed events and special celebrations designed to welcome the spirit of the season. This year’s official Holiday Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 6, at 5pm in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion and at the iconi…

This weekend, Carefree’ s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden becomes even more exciting with the addition of an official Great Pumpkin Commonwealth weigh-off. Several of the best giant gourd growers in the Southwest are bringing their obscenely large, fascinating, ginormous orange orbs to town Saturda…

Twenty-five years ago, Jeanne Bonine was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and given just six to 12 months to live. She was in the process of moving to Arizona from Minnesota when she learned that she had to undergo surgery. On her 50th birthday she had a lumpectomy and days later, a mast…

The Carefree Restaurant Association invites Valley residents to Carefree’s very own Fall Restaurant Week, which will be held Sept. 29 – Oct. 5. During Restaurant Week, customers will have an opportunity to sample new and exciting menu offerings and in doing so support their local restaurants…

Our Lady of Joy Catholic Parish will hold its 12th annual holiday bazaar Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9am–4pm. The church is located at 36811 North Pima Road, on the northeast corner of Pima and Cave Creek roads in Carefree. The community event sponsored by Our Lady’s Guild fea…

  Thunderbird Artists are gearing up for its first event of the 2018–19 season: the 25th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, Nov. 2–4. The event marks the organizations 73rd fine art event on Easy Street in downtown Carefree. Attendees will immerse themselves in juried fine art, wi…

Busy in his gallery at 34 Easy Street in Carefree is one of Arizona’s most prolific contemporary artist. Above Venues Café — overlooking Easy Street with beautiful views of Black Mountain — is artist Lance Headlee and his Top Floor Gallery. Headlee’s spacious gallery has high wood beam ceili…

The Ted Phillip Denton Contemporary Art Gallery invites area residents to visit the gallery, and the other participating galleries in Carefree, during its First Friday Art Walk events (March 2, April 6 and May 4).  Meet diverse artists, enjoy refreshments and engage in conversation about art…

The Town of Carefree will host its ninth annual Veterans Day presentation and musical tribute Saturday, November 11, 3–5 pm, in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, located in the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, in Downtown Carefree. The event will feature a mixture of patriotic and mil…

The Boulders Resort & Spa and Tesla are offering resort guests, members and area residents the opportunity to experience a test drive in a Tesla Model S. Drivers will have the opportunity to experience 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, thanks to the revolutionary autopilot capabilities. This even…

The Town of Carefree and the Desert Foothills Family YMCA offer a free, community yoga class, “Yoga in the Gardens,” on Mondays this month from 9-10am. Held in the Carefree Desert Gardens, underneath the Carefree Sundial, this free, all levels class will explore yoga movement with the added …

Photos: Dan & Joi LaChaussee, glass artists, are featured artists at the 22nd Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. The streets of Downtown Carefree will close March 17-19, making room for more than 165 artists and an excess of 5,000 original masterpieces of fine art at the 22nd …

Just in time for the launch of Disney’s newest live action, big screen adaptation, the English Rose Tea Room invites residents to “be their guest” at a Beauty & The Beast Costume Tea Party, Sunday, April 2, from 3-5pm. Guests of all ages are encouraged to get into character, don costumes…

First Friday Art Walks at the “100 Easy Street Arts District” (Post Office Building) is evolving into an exciting art destination by featuring three galleries that offer a different look at today’s art scene. Stroll through the galleries meeting some of the over 50 artists whose work is show…

The Town of Carefree is getting a treat before Halloween and there aren’t any tricks in sight. On Wednesday, October 5, Bashas’ Supermarket will open the doors to its newly remodeled grocery store at 36889 North Tom Darlington Drive (the corner of Tom Darlington Drive and Carefree Drive) and…

To help welcome visitors and residents alike to the area, the Town of Carefree is in the process of constructing “gateways” at Carefree Drive/Cave Creek Road as well as at Tom Darlington/Wampum Way. The gateways are expected to be completed by mid-July. For more information, call 480.488.368…

Former Mayor of the Town of Carefree, David Schwan, passed away on the evening of April 6, 2016, after a difficult battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). After 12 years of serving the Town, Schwan resigned effective February 4, 2015 after immediately receiving the news of his diagnosis of t…

Living in Arizona we see many species of wildlife – small to large, flying to four-legged. As natural habitats and native food sources shrink, we see “urban wildlife” venturing into our neighborhoods and our yards. Inviting wildlife into our living space can be enjoyable to observe. Sometime…

Check out the 2016 Carefree Special Events Edition on page 25.

This holiday season, residents are once again invited to escape to a southwest winter wonderland at the annual Carefree Christmas Festival. Now in its eighth year, this entirely free event offers merriment and entertainment, December 11-13, in the scenic Town of Carefree. All activities are …

Carefree’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden, featuring pumpkin sculptures from world-renowned artist Ray Villafane, will inhabit Carefree Desert Gardens October 16-31, 8am-9pm. Admission is free. There will be opportunities to see Villafane, up-close, as he carves whimsical characters and answers qu…

Art in the Garden offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate Spring with art, free entertainment and fun family activities at Desert Foothills Library April 18, 10:30am-1:30pm. Special Art in the Garden events in the library include dynamic storytelling in the Community Room. From 10:30am-1…

Did you know that what you eat shows up in your skin? Have you considered that nutrition is the foundation that topical skin care is built on? Maxine MacGwyre, licensed medical aesthetician, B.S. Nutrition (and latest addition to the staff at Easy Street Clinic in Carefree), provide professi…

The Town of Carefree posted notice of a Town Council vacancy today: On February 4, 2015, the Town Council accepted the letter of resignation for the Mayor David Schwan. His resignation created a vacant seat on the council. Persons interested in being appointed to fill this vacancy must be at…

After 12 years of serving the Town of Carefree, David Schwan resigned as mayor, effective 12pm, February 4. The resignation comes on the heels of his receiving a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). “At present I am having increasing difficulty in fulfilling the duties and obligations of…

A ribbon cutting event was held June 5 at Merle Norman Studio in Carefree.  Holding the Scissors are owner Barbara Norris and her husband Jeff.  Surrounding  Barbara and Jeff are clients and members of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce.  The event was held to celebrate the business…

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Sentimental Journey Antiques on May 21. Pictured holding the scissors are Ashley (left) and Norma Hand, the mother and daughter team who own Sentimental Journey Antiques, which is located at 7171 East Cave Creek Road in Car…

Do you want to escape the rising temperatures while doing some good? Head over to jo London Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 from 11am-4pm for Christmas in July. Stay cool and help others as jo london and the Foothills Food Bank team up to bring residents a festive celebration and sal…

By Katherine Koenig – Whether house hunting or window shopping, check out select Valley dream homes beginning this month, as CITYSunTimes presents a new Exceptional Homes feature. Each month, step inside for a sneak peak at some of the finest properties around town. Tucked away on the 17th F…

The Rhinestone Cowboy Ball at the Carefree Resort & Villas will be presented by the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak on February 9. The gala will feature Ray Herndon from Nashville, the Herndon Brothers Band and country legend Jessie Colter as well as other special guests including the Co…

The 20th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival is slated for January 18-20 in Downtown Carefree. This award-winning festival will highlight the artistic works of more than 165 juried fine artists, live musical entertainment, appetizing food, tempting chocolates and unparalleled wine t…

Beautiful Downtown Carefree will transform into a lighted Christmas winter wonderland experience with the Fifth Annual Carefree Christmas Festival December 7-9. “In just five years, our little Christmas festival has become one of the most popular and well attended holiday events in the Valle…