📚✨ New Sculpture in Carefree! ✨📚

A new beautiful bronze sculpture by Bryce Pettit now graces the Carefree Desert Gardens near the children’s playground! Donated by Carefree resident Richard Burns and local business owner Sue Bickerdyke, the piece depicts a boy holding an open book, from which birds representing different areas of learning—science, history, literature, music, fantasy, and the arts—take flight. The sculpture symbolizes how knowledge can help us soar to new heights. 🦉🦅🐦

Pettit worked with the Town’s Public Works team to give the sculpture a permanent home. Stop by, enjoy the Gardens, and see this inspiring addition in person! 🌿✨
7 days ago, Town of Carefree
Mayor, Richard Burns, Sue Bickerdyke and Bryce Pettit Posing by Sculpture
Public works team and Bryce Pettit Posing Near Sculpture
Close up of the birds on the sculpture
Public works team working together to install sculpture
Chanukah in Carefree wrapped up last Sunday—and what a celebration it was! ✨🕎

For all eight nights, the community gathered to mark the season of light with delicious food, beautiful music, and meaningful traditions, creating joyful moments throughout the week. 🎵

This event was made possible through the collaboration of several local and statewide nonprofits, who came together each night to bring the festivities to life. Learn more about them at chanukahincarefree.com. 🤗

Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make Chanukah in Carefree shine so brightly! 💙
16 days ago, Town of Carefree
Young being lifted in his chair
Picture of food
Three men standing smiling at the camera
Crowd sitting down listening to concert
Close up photo of dreidels
✨ Last-minute holiday shopping? Carefree is the way to go. ✨

Skip the traffic, crowded malls, and busy shopping centers—and enjoy a low-key, charming small-town experience instead. 🎁

Whether you’re searching for a beautiful piece of jewelry for someone special, unique vintage finds for your thrifty friend, boutique clothing for yourself, or one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else, Carefree has it all. Shop local, stroll at your own pace, and soak in the friendly small-town charm that makes Carefree feel extra magical this holiday season. 🎄💛
20 days ago, Town of Carefree
Christmas ornaments
Colorful jewelry pieces
Rock sculpture cigar holders
Clothes on rack
Vintage bookshelf
Rock butterfly sculptures
Wall of metal artworks
Wooden bottles
Diamond ring
Olive oil wall
Wreaths Across America in Carefree ❤️🤍💙

On December 13, community members gathered at Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery for Wreaths Across America to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on their graves. 🪖

Thank you to the Black Mountain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution ❤️, American Legion Riders Post 34 🏍️, Imprints of Honor (Cactus Shadows High School) 🎓, and Boy Scout Troop 603 ⚜️ for organizing this powerful tribute.
22 days ago, Town of Carefree
American Legion Riders Post 34 standing with wreaths
Wreaths at the cemetery
✨ Business Highlight: Modernly Mindful✨

Modernly Mindful, Carefree’s newest art gallery and jewelry shop, is now open next to Badu and the English Rose Tea Room. The gallery is owned and operated by artist Kyle Bolish, who handcrafts every piece inside. 💍

Before becoming a full-time artist, Kyle spent years teaching grades K through 6th. He created his art pieces during summer breaks, but felt a growing pull toward a more creative life. That clarity arrived during his visit to the Sistine Chapel in Italy, where he experienced an overwhelming sense of lightness—as if a weight had lifted. In that moment, he knew it was time to devote himself fully to art and soon opened his first gallery, Modernly Mindful. 📚🖼️

Kyle’s work is deeply inspired by nature and childhood nostalgia. Each piece begins with a meditative process and is guided by a memory, feeling, or emotion from his youth. His bronze sculptures incorporate real leaves, twigs, and natural elements that are cast in resin and then bronzed, creating rich, intricate detail. His jewelry features natural stones like topaz and pearls inspired by water. Every item is one-of-a-kind, with a rotating inventory and no duplicates—so when you find a piece that resonates with you, it’s truly meant for you. 🌿

As a disability-owned business, Kyle embraces the way ADHD shapes his workflow, often turning it into a creative strength. He is also mindful of keeping his work accessible, offering high-quality pieces at attainable price points. 💎

Modernly Mindful invites visitors to step into a space of imagination, nature, and nostalgia—where each handcrafted piece has a story, and each one is made to spark your own inner childhood wonder. 💖

📍 201 Easy St. #105, Carefree, AZ 85377
🔗 www.modernlymindful.com
📸 Follow them on Facebook and Instagram
24 days ago, Town of Carefree
Artist showing jewelry to patron
Miniature bronze statue of a fairy
Nature inspired jewelry pieces
Business space with artwork and modern touches
Two nature inspired necklaces
Pieces of jewelry in glass display case
Drawings and mockups of new jewelry pieces
🕎✨ Eight nights. One community. A celebration that shines bright.

Chanukah in Carefree returns Dec. 14–21 with nightly music, food, menorah lightings, and family fun at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. 🌵 Now in its 9th year, this beloved event supports the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center, Arizona’s first Holocaust education center.

Celebrate tradition, gather with neighbors, and give back under the desert stars in Carefree. 💙
27 days ago, Town of Carefree
Chanukah scehdule
Youth choir singing on stage
Man looking at song lyrics
Group singing on stage
Young girl holding candle
Night crowd sitting in chairs
Last week’s Carefree Lights Up! event was pure holiday magic! ✨🎄

Carols around the tree, the annual tree lighting countdown with Mayor John Crane, hot cocoa, and a festive concert brought hundreds of friends and neighbors together for a true small-town holiday moment. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us and filled the night with cheer! We’re already excited for next year. 🎅

A HUGE thank you to everyone who makes this cherished event possible! 😊
- Kevin Glenn & his singers
- POP Dance Group - Kenda Newbury
- Desert Cactus Kickers
- Desert Hills Community School of Music (Handbells and Youth Saxophone Quintet)
- Jubilate Conservatory of Music
- Kiwanis Club of Carefree
27 days ago, Town of Carefree
Mayor and his wife smiling at the camera in Christmas hats
Two young women dancing and smiling
A lineup shot of women in a dance group
Little boy in the middle of a crowd singing carols
A group of string instrument players
Man singing into microphone at a piano keyboard
Young man dancing on stage
People smiling and getting their photo taken in front of a Christmas tree
Women dancing in a kick line
Older man singing and smiling with microphone
✨ Business Highlight: Seared Living ✨

Meet Seared Living, the newest addition to Carefree and a true haven for culinary enthusiasts and home entertainers. Conveniently located in the Post Office building facing the Carefree Desert Gardens playground, this one-stop shop is designed for anyone looking to explore new flavors, elevate their cooking, and find the perfect gifts for the foodies in their life. 🎁

Step inside and you’ll find a wall brimming with the finest olive oils, balsamic vinegars, seasonings, sauces, and kitchenware—from traditional favorites to uniquely infused blends sourced from Olivelle, a family-owned brand working with single-estate farms in Italy, Greece, and Spain. These oils are grown, picked, and pressed on the same estate, ensuring exceptional quality in every bottle. 🫒

Seared Living also stands out for its custom gift experience. Bring your budget and work one-on-one with the team to build a thoughtfully curated gift bundle for a loved one, shipped anywhere in the U.S. for a flat rate of $12—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just-because surprises. 📦

Owned by Patty, who acquired the business two years ago while preserving its family-owned charm, Seared Living reflects her culinary roots—coming from a family of chefs—and her deep ties to the Carefree community as the former Executive Director of the Sonoran Arts League. Patty’s vision for the store includes recipe/cooking workshops, cheese tastings, artisan bread offerings, and more, making it an interactive destination for food lovers of all levels. Adding even more flavor, Celestial Artisan Meadery hosts the space, and their tasting room is open on Saturdays, giving visitors another reason to stop by. 🍷🖼️🔪

Whether you’re a passionate cook or searching for the perfect culinary gift, Seared Living is the ultimate destination in Carefree for inspiration, quality, and unforgettable flavors. 🍽️

📍100 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
🔗 www.searedliving.com
📸 Follow them @searedliving on Facebook and Instagram
about 2 months ago, Town of Carefree
Olive oil wall
Recipe inspiration wall
Racks of culinary goods
Culinary goods on table
Culinary goods on barrels
🌟 We were thrilled to host hotel concierges from near and far!

Earlier this month, our annual Carefree Concierge Tour brought these amazing professionals to town to experience the very best of our local restaurants. 🏨🍷 From savory bites to sweet treats, they got a firsthand taste of the flavors and hospitality that make Carefree so special. 😋💫

It was an evening full of good food, great vibes, and happy, satisfied guests — a perfect way to showcase our incredible restaurant owners and their teams. ✨

A huge thank you to Foothills Caring Corps for providing transportation 🚌 and Hampton Inn Carefree Arizona for the perfect meeting spot and complimentary drinks! 🍹
about 2 months ago, Town of Carefree
People cheering their drinks
Man speaking to crowd
Woman speaking to crowd
Crowd outside on the patio
Woman speaking to a crowd
Man with arms raised speaking to crowd
Man speaking to people gathered in a room
Man speaking and pointing to a group
Carefree came together in gratitude for veterans! 🪖

The 16th Annual Veterans Day Celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. The day was filled with patriotic spirit, incredible live music, and a strong sense of community.❤️
Guests enjoyed powerful performances from high school junior Olivia Nicosia, the Main Event Swing Band, and a surprise pop-up performance by Vivace Honor Choir from Cactus Shadows High School. 🎶

A special thank-you to all who joined us and to the wonderful organizations that made this celebration possible:
✨ Cave Creek Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troop #603
✨ Cactus Shadows High School
✨ Daughters of the American Revolution – Black Mountain Chapter
✨ Imprints of Honor
✨ Kiwanis Club of Carefree

Together, we honored our veterans and celebrated the spirit of service that unites our community. ❤️💙
about 2 months ago, Town of Carefree
Singer and men saluting
Two dressed military men talking to woman
Man standing to sing
Boy Scouts presenting the colors
Girl choir singing
Man speaking to crowd
Woman with hands raised singing
Men on brass instruments
Speaker addressing crowd
Women dancing and singing
✨ Business Highlight: Grind and Gears ✨

Opened in March 2022, Grind and Gears is the second Carefree business owned by residents and entrepreneurs Don Little and his wife, Lisa. As a passionate cyclist, Don dreamed for years of creating a place where biking enthusiasts could not only shop for gear and rentals, but also gather over coffee, swap stories, and plan their next ride. 🚴

More than just a bike shop, Grind and Gears offers high-quality rentals with free delivery at up to 7 miles, guided mountain bike rides for visitors, and some amazingly delicious coffee and espresso drinks. It’s a unique alternative in Carefree, giving fitness and riding enthusiasts a welcoming spot that matches their active lifestyle while fostering a sense of community. 🍵

The name “Grind and Gears” was first imagined over a decade ago, and today, Don has brought that vision to life—blending his love of cycling, good coffee, and small-town connection. As a business owner deeply invested in Carefree, Don says there’s no better place to live, work, and ride than in “the friendliest town in Arizona.” 💖

📍10 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
🔗 thegrindandgears.com
📸 Follow Them on Instagram and Facebook
2 months ago, Town of Carefree
Grind and Gears Outside Patio
Grind and Gears Counter with Bikes
Bike Helmets and Counter
Grind and Gears merchandise
Group of people smiling and ready to bike
✨ Gregory Tomb’s First Glass Pumpkin Patch in Carefree! 🎃

This past weekend, renowned glass artist Gregory Tomb filled part of the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion with his breathtaking glass pumpkins, making the space truly glimmer and sparkle! Visitors loved picking out their favorites while supporting the Foothills Food Bank with every purchase. ❤️

We can’t wait to see this pumpkin patch "grow back" next year! 🌱
2 months ago, Town of Carefree
Greg Tomb and Leigh from the Food Bank smiling in front of pumpkins
Glass Pumpkins on hay bales with Black Mountain in the background
Woman holding pumpkin showing man
Up close photo of glass pumpkins
🎃 Trunk or Treat on Easy Street! 🍬

Last Friday, the Desert Foothills YMCA and the Town of Carefree partnered and brought tons of spooky fun to Carefree Town Center, with hundreds of families, couples, and kids filling Easy Street in costume! 👻

Candy galore, creative trunks, festive décor, and plenty of sweet treats from CCUSD student-operated Sip N Scoop made for a perfect small-town Halloween night. The YMCA handed out awards for the best costumes, dressed-up pets, and decorated trunks—with our very own Mayor John Crane joining the judging panel! 🏆

Thanks to everyone who came out—we can’t wait to team up with the YMCA again next fall! 💜
2 months ago, Town of Carefree
Boys smiling in costume in a shark cutout
People smiling at their trunk
People smiling and waving at their trunk
People smiling
People and families walking along Easy Street
Dozens of kids on the Sanderson Lincoln Stage
Little girl in dog costume and woman smiling
Boy wearing shark head costume
Rural Metro Fire handing out candy
Dog in hot dog costume
🎵 Live Music Returns to Carefree! 🍁

The Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays series is back—bringing free live music from amazing local musicians and bands! 🎶 Join us 1–3 p.m. on select Saturdays to enjoy the tunes while you shop, dine, and explore our charming local restaurants and shops.

✨ Check out the Fall Lineup (Oct–Dec): 🍂
🎸 Oct 18 – Ben Bolt
🎤 Oct 25 – Mark Edward & The Usual Suspects
🪈 Nov 15 – Henry Molder
🎻 Nov 22 – Alona Liesniak
🎧 Nov 29 – Fort Vine
🎸 Dec 13 – Tyler Nielson
🎹 Dec 20 – Nancy Bagley
🎷 Dec 27 – UGLYTHEY
Learn more about each artist at visitcarefree.com

🎶 Support local talent, enjoy the good tunes, and make your Saturdays in Carefree unforgettable! 💛
3 months ago, Town of Carefree
Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays - Lice Music in the Pavilion!
✨ Carefree Under the Stars was a success! 🌙
Last Saturday, our free community stargazing event brought neighbors together for an evening of cosmic wonder.

Thank you to Focus Astronomy Outreach for guiding us through the night sky, setting up telescopes, answering participant questions, and even bringing out pieces of the moon and meteorites! 🌕

We’re also grateful to Our Lady of Joy Church for being amazing hosts and to the Desert Foothills Land Trust for pre-event activities and to share their mission to preserve the beauty of the Sonoran Desert — both day and night. 🌵💫

📸 Check out the amazing photos of the moon and Saturn we captured through a telescope with just a phone camera!
3 months ago, Town of Carefree
Group sitting down at the event
Photo of the moon
Groups lined up for telescopes
Photo of Saturn
Speaker using laser pointer for the group
Participant looking at telescope with astronomer
People looking at meteorite display
✨Business Highlight: Giordano's Trattoria Romana ✨

Giordano’s has been a beloved part of Carefree for 20 years, but its story stretches back even further. The owner, Adele, moved from New York to Phoenix in 1987 and in the late 1990s, she discovered the original Trattoria Romana. She quickly became one of its most loyal guests, dining there almost every weekend with her family. She loved the authentic Italian dishes and the warm, intimate setting, and over time she built a friendship with the owner. When the restaurant changed hands in 2004, Adele saw her chance to bring her vision to life and purchased it—on the condition that the chef remain, ensuring the recipes and flavors locals cherished would stay at the heart of the menu. 🍷🕯️

From that moment, Adele poured her energy into transforming the space into Giordano’s Trattoria Romana, an eatery reminiscent of the neighborhood trattorias of New York City. Fresh, traditional flavors are still the hallmark, with the chef’s marinara made daily and dishes like the eggplant Parmesan often praised as the best in Arizona. 🍆🍝

Two decades later, Giordano’s has become a true cornerstone of the Carefree community. Guests return not only for the food, but for the family-style hospitality Adele has nurtured. Through every chapter—including the challenges of the pandemic—the support of the community has been unwavering, and Adele looks forward to many more years of sharing her dream with Carefree. ❤️🌵

📍7275 E. Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
💻 www.giordanostrattoriaromana.com
📸 Facebook: Giordano's Trattoria Romana Italian Restaurante
3 months ago, Town of Carefree
Giordanos Dining Setting
Array of Italian Food
Tortellini Pasta
Antipasta Appetizer
Giordanio's Restaurant Setting
Antipasta Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail
✨Business Highlight: Daisy's Rescued Goods ✨

A staple in Carefree’s shopping scene has a brand-new name and location—Daisy’s Rescued Goods, formerly known as Foothills Animal Rescue Resale Boutique! 👕 Now located at 22 Easy Street, near Venues Café, this charming boutique recently underwent a thoughtful rebranding inspired by years of community feedback. The new name honors “Daisy,” the beloved pet of a major supporter of the Foothills Animal Rescue, and the relocation brings them into a bright, spacious storefront that once housed the Wild Holly Gallery. 🖼️

Inside, Daisy’s offers a fun and stylish shopping experience featuring a wide variety of furniture, home goods, women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, books, and art. 🪑 Shoppers can expect everything from everyday essentials to upscale, high-end pieces—all donated by generous community members. Best of all, proceeds directly support the Foothills Animal Rescue, making every purchase go towards a paws-itevly great cause. 🐾

Looking to get involved? Donations are accepted at the shop during business hours, and the team is actively seeking volunteers to help with store operations and donation processing. Be sure to swing by and enjoy their 50% off sales every Wednesday and Saturday (select exclusions apply), and don’t forget to sign up for their rewards program to earn points every time you shop. 🛍️ At Daisy’s Rescued Goods, you’re not just finding new treasures—you’re giving pre-loved items a second chance and helping pets find their forever homes! 🐶

🌐 Website: foothillsanimal.org/boutique/
📞 Phone: 480-585-5777
📍 Location: 22 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377
📱 Instagram: @daisysrescuedgoods
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/Daisysrescuedgoods
4 months ago, Town of Carefree
Daisy's Rescued Goods
Daisy's Rescued Goods
Daisy's Rescued Goods
Daisy's Rescued Goods
Daisy's Rescued Goods
❤️ Happy National Dog Day! 🐶

From peaceful Desert Garden strolls 🌿 to sunny outdoor events ☀️, Carefree is a dog-friendly paradise. Every adventure is better with four paws! 🐾💕

🌵 Please remember to use the designated dog stations and pick up after your pets so everyone can enjoy the Gardens. 🗑️✨
4 months ago, Town of Carefree
Puppy looking at camera
Dog in sweater facing right
Dogs and people at an event
Dog staring at camera
Firefighter and dog
Man holding small dog with tongue out
Puppy looking at camera
✨Business Highlight: Window Coverings by Julie ✨

Looking to upgrade your windows with style and purpose? Step into Window Coverings by Julie and experience personalized service from a true specialist. Located in the Carefree Marketplace — perfectly positioned near an outdoor furniture store and just across the parking lot from two home furnishing & decor stores — this locally owned showroom is your one-stop destination for custom shades, shutters, blinds, drapes, and more. 🪟🏡

Owner Julie Clark launched her business in 2019 with a clear vision: to offer expert window solutions backed by honesty, experience, and heart. As a breast cancer survivor, she not only battled for her health during this time but also pushed through the challenges of the pandemic to build what is now a trusted name in Arizona. Julie is not just selling window covering solutions — she’s offering expert guidance built on over 10 years of hands-on industry experience. Her approach is educational and honest: she listens to your needs, explains your best options, and ensures that the solution fits your space and your lifestyle. No pressure. No upselling. Just smart, thoughtful service from someone who truly knows her craft. 🤝🩷

Beyond the showroom, Julie is invested in the local community. She’s a local resident and currently serves as a Board Member of the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. Her showroom reflects the same warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail that she brings to every client interaction. Visit Window Coverings by Julie today and see why this local business is more than just a window covering shop — it’s where expertise meets care, and every solution is tailored just for you. 🪟🌵

📍 Where: 36889 N Tom Darlington Dr Suite D-7, Carefree, AZ
📞 Call: 928-389-9030
🌐 Website: windowcoveringsbyjulie.com
6 months ago, Town of Carefree
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🚨 Meet Hydrant No. 444 🚨

The Carefree Water Company recently installed Fire Hydrant No. 444 at Cave Creek Rd & Milky Way Dr—bringing added fire protection to the Velvet Shadows neighborhood. 🔥💧

Former Carefree Councilmember and retired Chicago firefighter Glenn Miller, who helped identify the need for this location, shared: “As an ex-Chicago Firefighter, I understand the importance of our water infrastructure in fighting fires. Having easy access to a fire hydrant can mean the difference between saving a structure or having it burn to the ground.” 👨‍🚒

Thank you, Glenn, for your continued commitment to helping keep Carefree safe. 🙌
6 months ago, Town of Carefree
Fire Hydrant 444