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Carefree Connection:
April 2026
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April Overview
What's going on this month?
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April is in full bloom in Carefree, bringing a vibrant mix of community events, exciting local news, and opportunities to connect all month long.
From two can’t-miss pancake breakfasts—Flapjacks & Fire Trucks and the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast—to meaningful moments like the Earth Day Celebration and the Desert Foothills Land Trust’s 35th Anniversary fundraiser, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also find engaging seminars, live music at Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays, and plenty of ways to gather with neighbors and friends.
This month also marks the start of Carefree’s budget season, with two upcoming workshops that offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the Town plans for the fiscal year ahead. Be sure to explore this month’s business spotlight on Adelante Art Gallery, and catch up on important town news—including Carefree and Cave Creek joining Dementia Friendly America. Alongside it all, we also take a moment to look back at what made March so memorable.
There’s a lot happening—you won’t want to miss it.
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Flapjacks & Fire Trucks
Join us on Saturday, April 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Carefree Fire Station (37401 N Tom Darlington Dr) to start your day with flapjacks and firefighters!
Meet your local fire team, tour the station, explore the fire trucks, and enjoy pancakes and refreshments while learning about the many services the department offers, including CPR classes, lock boxes, Firewise certifications, and other community safety programs.
Learn more at visitcarefree.com/flapjacks or with the button below.
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Light in the Darkness Ministry - Jesus Breaks Chains SoberFest
Join Light in the Darkness Ministry on Easter Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the heart of beautiful Carefree from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a powerful gathering of love, joy, peace, and freedom.
Jesus Breaks Chains – A Gathering of Hope & Freedom is an event for every heart that has ever carried pain, loss, shame, fear, addiction, grief, anger, or disappointment. Whether your chains are visible or hidden, they believe we all carry something that tries to hold us back. This day is about coming together with music, prayer, testimonies, and community. Everyone is welcome here, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve walked through.
Learn more at www.soberfests.com/events or with the button below.
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Garden Seminar Series #3: A Primer on Container Gardening
Join us for the LAST installation of our annual Garden Seminar Series on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m.!
Container Gardening is a satisfying way to enjoy working with plants, add color to your environment, and engage your creative side. Join Certified Master Gardener Betsy Hollingsworth and learn everything you need to know about gardening in containers or take your container gardening to the next level.
A suggested $5 donation is accepted at the door to help continue this popular program.
Learn more about the all the seminars with the button below.
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Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
The Kiwanis Club of Carefree invites you to its ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST on Saturday, April 11th at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Start your morning with a delicious, all-you-can-eat breakfast featuring pancakes topped with syrup and berry compote, savory sausages, and refreshing orange juice, coffee, and tea.
More than just a great meal, this cherished community tradition supports the Kiwanis Club of Carefree’s mission to serve others and make a lasting difference in the lives of local children. It’s a feel-good morning filled with great food, friendly faces, and community spirit.
Bring the whole family and come hungry—we’ll see you there!
Learn more at kiwaniscarefree.org/event/kiwanis-pancake-breakfast/ or by clicking the button below.
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Carefree Art Night - April 16
Carefree Art Night returns on Thursday, April 16 for one of the final evenings of the season—making it the perfect time to experience this unique event before it wraps for the year. As the second-to-last Art Night of the 25-26 season, April offers another wonderful opportunity to stroll through Carefree’s galleries in the evening from 4 – 7 p.m.
If you haven’t made it out yet this season, now’s the time. Alongside fresh talent and new exhibits, visitors can also enjoy longtime favorites that have helped shape Carefree’s artistic fabric, including M & E Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery, whos owners and artists will be retiring this year.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime attendee, this is a chance to celebrate both what’s new and what has made this event such a treasured tradition.
Learn more by signing up for our emails and visiting visitcarefree.com/artnight or by clicking the button below.
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Carefree Earth Day Celebration
Step into spring at the Carefree Earth Day Celebration in the beautiful Carefree Desert Gardens on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a lively morning of hands-on activities, live music, and outdoor discovery.
Get up close with Arizona wildlife—including mini ponies, birds, and rattlesnakes—while experts share insights on our desert ecosystem, water, and more. Explore interactive exhibits, crafts, games, and family-friendly fun, plus a special appearance by Smokey Bear. You’ll also find tips and inspiration for living more sustainably.
Don’t miss the painting of the very first desert themed storm drain at 11 a.m. with the custom desert storm drain design Carefree community members voted on, alongside our Town Engineer and Public Works team.
Enjoy music from Jubilate Conservatory, grab a refreshing treat from Sip N Scoop, and take time to explore Carefree’s shops and restaurants that are just steps away. Celebrate nature, community, and a beautiful day outdoors the Carefree way!
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DFLT 35th Anniversary Earth Day Celebration
Even though tickets for the DFLT's 35th Anniversary Earth Day Celebration Dinner are sold out, the impact of this special evening is just beginning. Celebrating 35 years of conservation success, the Desert Foothills Land Trust has protected more than 1,100 acres of Sonoran Desert—and there’s more to come. On Wednesday, April 22, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, guests will enjoy dinner by Chef Tony Rea’s Creations in Cuisine, live music by the Gedalife Trio, a silent auction, and inspiring stories of preservation.
While tickets are sold out, you can still show support for the Land Trust’s mission to protect our Arizona desert landscape. Discover ways to give at dflt.org or by using the button below.
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MC-LEF Gathering of Heroes
Join the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) as they kick off their 20th Annual Arizona Golf Tournament with the Gathering of Heroes. We'll be welcoming and honoring five Medal of Honor recipients on Thursday, April 23 at 4:15 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial in the Carefree Desert Gardens.
Pledge of Allegiance: Charles Reaux, U.S. Army, Vietnam War Veteran
National Anthem and America the Beautiful: Ava Cohen, local 10th grader
Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr.
- Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps
Robert Martin Patterson
Brian Miles Thacker
James Allen Taylor
Leroy Arthur Petry
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Stroll the Town While Enjoying Sanderson Lincoln Saturday's
Where else in the Valley can you stroll charming small-town streets, pop into unique boutiques, enjoy a great meal, and take in live music from talented local artists—all in one afternoon? Only in Carefree!
Sanderson Lincoln Saturdays provide the perfect blend of sunshine, shopping, dining, and music to your weekend plans. Join us on select Saturdays from 1–3 p.m. and check out this month's lineup below.
- April 11 – Henry Molder
- April 25 – Ben Bolt
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The iconic saguaro cactus symbolizes Arizona. Its beautiful white bloom is the Arizona State flower. Who can forget Snoopy’s brother Spike sitting under a huge Saguaro cactus? The Saguaro graces the foreground of the Town of Carefree seal taking center stage in front of our legendary Sun Dial. A second stands in the background. And more importantly, when in Carefree, the stately Saguaro is virtually everywhere. It defines who we are – resilient and adaptable, frequently standing tens of feet tall for more than 100 years, some longer than Arizona has been a state, a good neighbor serving as shelter and sustenance to a myriad of Sonoran desert birds, lizards, and wildlife despite a changing world.
The Carefree Desert Gardens present a marvelous opportunity to admire majestic saguaros, including two crested specimens. Each Saguaro is unique. Some look flawless as depicted in legendary images. Others sport borderline comical arms and unique character. When their crowns and arms bloom, they look like white haired creatures holding beautiful bouquets.
Our unusually warm spring seems to not only confuse even seasoned Arizona residents, but native plants as well. We may find Saguaro buds and flowers in the Carefree Desert Garden this April, way ahead of the typical May / June bloom cycle!
Although many myths depict the Saguaro cacti as a guardian of the desert, our twenty five year drought and unusually warm temperatures, both day and night, take a toll. As Saguaros weaken, they are more susceptible to high winds, bacteria, and infection. Some drop an arm. The larger the Saguaro the more likely it is to lose an arm and eventually fall.
Invasive plants are an existential threat to Saguaro cacti. These grasses and weeds, smother seedling Saguaros and fuel fires that kill Saguaros. Maricopa County Parks & Recreation warns that desert wildfires are one of the most serious threats to saguaro cacti. These giants are not fire‑adapted and often die after even moderate burns. Depending on burn severity, studies show Saguaro mortality rates are typically 32% to 50% following a desert wildfire, and over time, significantly higher.
The Town of Carefree monitors the health of each saguaro in our Garden with the aid of professional landscapers. Landscapers can help monitor the health of your
Saguaros. Through the town Firewise program, homeowners are encouraged to remove invasive weeds and wildfire fuel.
To gain a close-up appreciation of these giant, iconic cacti, why not take an enjoyable morning or an evening stroll through the Carefree Desert Gardens? We are truly fortunate to live amongst such unique plants. But even these resilient giants occasionally need a little help.
Sincerely,
Mayor John Crane
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Join us on Tuesday, April 7, starting at 5 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the Regular Town Council Meeting. Once posted, the agenda will be available 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, April 10, from 9 - 11 a.m. to bring our community closer together through open and meaningful dialogues with Mayor John Crane and two esteemed Council Members. | | | | Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings | |
Join us on Monday, April 13, starting at 4 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the Joint Meeting of the Board of Adjustment, Development Review Board, and Planning & Zoning Commission. View the agenda HERE when they are posted.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
| | | | Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting | |
Join us on Monday, April 13, starting at 4:15 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the Economic Development Advisory Board Meeting. View the agenda HERE when they are posted.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
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Join us on Tuesday, April 21, starting at 2 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the first Town Budget Workshop. View the agenda HERE when they are posted.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
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Join us for coffee and conversation at Black Mountain Café on Thursday, April 23, from 8 – 10 a.m.
Take this opportunity to meet your local MCSO Captain Letourneau and his deputies, who will be available to connect with residents and answer questions. Stop by and say hello! Add the event on Facebook with the button below.
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Join us on Tuesday, April 28, starting at 2 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for the second Town Budget Workshop. View the agenda HERE when they are posted.
If you want to watch from home join the livestream by clicking the button below.
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Kristen Krey Welcomed As Carefree's New Town Administrator
The Town of Carefree has appointed Kristen Krey as its next Town Administrator following a unanimous vote by the Town Council on March 3, 2026. A familiar face within the organization, Krey has served as the Town Clerk and Treasurer for the past year and brings more than 30 years of public-sector leadership experience. In her new role, she will oversee daily operations, lead Town staff, and help implement the Council’s strategic priorities.
Krey’s extensive background in municipal governance, finance, and organizational leadership—combined with her deep understanding of Carefree’s operations—positions the Town for continued stability and progress. Town leaders and staff have expressed strong confidence in her ability to guide Carefree into its next chapter.
Read the full press release with the button below.
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Carefree and Cave Creek Officially Join Dementia Friendly America®
Carefree and Cave Creek have officially joined the Dementia Friendly America® network, marking a meaningful step toward creating a more supportive and inclusive community for residents experiencing memory loss. Led locally by Foothills Caring Corps as the designated “Champion” organization, this effort will build on the programs and initiatives they are already providing—with the support of both towns—to ensure individuals living with dementia and their caregivers remain connected, engaged, and supported.
Through initiatives like Memory Cafés, workshops, and community partnerships, Foothills Caring Corps is helping lead the way in education, awareness, and resources, while Carefree and Cave Creek reinforce their shared commitment to dignity, safety, and quality of life for all.
Read the full press release with the button below.
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Foothills Caring Corp - Aging with Dignity Series
Foothills Caring Corps is hosting the fourth installment of its Aging with Dignity series on Wednesday, April 15, from 10–11 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers. This thoughtful series creates space for honest conversations, practical guidance, and trusted information about aging—helping individuals, caregivers, families, and community members feel more prepared, supported, and connected.
This month’s session will focus on mental health lead by Karen Stewart. Learn more about this and other upcoming monthly programs at foothillscaringcorp.com.
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FREE CPR Class & AED Training
Save a life—learn CPR and AED for FREE! Take advantage of our CPR and AED training on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Carefree Fire Department.
Learn life-saving skills from your very own firefighters that can dramatically increase survival rates in emergency situations. This hands-on class is perfect for anyone—whether at home, work, or in the community.
Sign up by emailing CarefreeFD@gmail.com or by clicking the button below.
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New Weekly Fitness Classes in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
Starting April 20, a new weekly wellness class series is coming to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, offering another refreshing way to prioritize your health in a beautiful outdoor setting. Carefree Fit classes are provided by professional athlete and resident Karla Adams.
On Mondays at 7 a.m. enjoy a Stabilizer & Lymphatic Detox class and on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. enjoy a Stabilizer & Myofascial Release class. These total body routines build strength, improve balance, support detox, and help reduce inflammation, pain, and brain fog.
Sign up at CarefreeFIT.org or by clicking the button below.
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From Pool to Plant:
Reusing Water for a Resilient Desert Landscape
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In the Sonoran Desert, conserving water goes hand-in-hand with protecting our stormwater systems. One simple way to do both is by reusing pool water for landscape irrigation instead of allowing it to flow into streets or storm drains. When managed properly—such as allowing chlorine to dissipate and directing water slowly into soil—pool water can support certain desert-adapted plants while reducing runoff and waste.
Choosing the right plants is essential. Moderately to very salt-tolerant species are best suited for occasional pool water irrigation. These include date palms, pickleweed, Texas sage, prickly pear cactus, saguaro, golden barrel cactus, century plants, and ice plant. These hardy plants are well adapted to desert conditions and can handle higher salt levels commonly found in pool water.
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Moderately salt-tolerant plants, such as yucca, rosemary, most agave, fan palms, ocotillo, and most acacia, may also be used with caution. Rotating irrigation areas and avoiding frequent use can help prevent salt buildup in the soil and keep these plants healthy.
However, some plants are salt sensitive and should not be irrigated with pool water. These include fruit trees, birds of paradise, desert willow, Texas mountain laurel, pindo palm, and some yucca varieties. Using pool water on these species can lead to damage over time.
By pairing water-conscious plant choices with smart drainage practices, residents can reuse water effectively, reduce environmental impact, and maintain beautiful, resilient desert landscapes—all while helping protect local waterways.
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Business Highlight:
Adelante Art Gallery
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Step into a world of color at Adelante Art Gallery, an eclectic, eccentric, and idiosyncratic space owned and operated by Meg Witwer, located in Carefree’s Spanish Village. Meg’s journey began after working in some of Arizona’s finest galleries, when one day she realized that she was meant to lead rather than follow. Inspired by her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, she set out to create something entirely her own. The gallery originally opened on September 1, 1994, in El Pedregal, where it thrived for 23 years. A standout moment during that time came when Happy Rockefeller visited and gave the gallery her seal of approval. Years later, Meg relocated Adelante to Carefree, where it has now been for the past 8 years—a natural fit, as she is both a resident and felt Spanish Village was the perfect setting.
Adelante Art Gallery is known for its vibrant and expressive collection, heavily influenced by Mexican and Spanish art, with strong elements of folk and outsider art. About 50% of the artwork is either created by artists from Mexico or inspired by the country’s rich culture. Meg takes great pride in her personal relationships with many of the artists she represents. The gallery features a diverse mix of paintings, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and sculptures, creating a space that truly defies traditional labels. Visitors are immediately struck by the bold colors, energy, and uniqueness—offering something refreshingly different from the Western and Native American art more commonly found in Arizona. In 1997, CNN International described the gallery as an “interesting gallery for interesting people,” further cementing its distinctive reputation.
More than just a gallery, Adelante is a welcoming and ever-evolving space where guests are encouraged to explore at their own pace while Meg remains available to personally connect with and share the stories behind the artworks. As a proud member of the Carefree community, she values her relationships with neighboring merchants and cherishes meeting new people—embracing the excitement of never knowing who might walk through the door. If you’re looking for a truly unique gallery experience unlike any other, Adelante is a must-visit while enjoying a day in Carefree.
📍 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd, #14, Carefree, AZ
💻 Learn more by visiting their website: adelanteartgallery.com
| | | Business Events & Activities | | Keeler's Steakhouse - Easter Brunches (April 5th & April 20th) | | Speedy Burger Tavern - Weekly Drink Specials and April Events | | Our Lady of Joy Preschool Spot Available for 2026-2027 School Year | | | Desert Hills Presbyterian Church - Veteran's Coffee Group | | |
March Highlights
Special Moments from Last Month
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2nd Annual Carefree Cigar and Bourbon Festival
The 2nd Annual Carefree Bourbon and Cigar Festival was last month—and it’s safe to say, this event is always a hit! From live music and exceptional cuisine to premium spirits and fine cigars, the evening brought residents and visitors together in true Carefree fashion. More than anything, it was three nights of connection, conversation, and community—one that left us already looking forward to next year.
Photos provided by Sticks Gold & Cigar Lounge
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Firefighters Visit Our Lady of Joy Preschoolers
Future firefighters in the making! The Our Lady of Joy Church preschoolers had a blast when Carefree firefighters stopped by with the fire truck. The kiddos got to spray the hose, explore the truck, and meet some real-life heroes. A big thank you to the amazing Rural Metro Fire firefighters who man the Carefree Fire Department and keep our community safe!
Photos provided by Rural Metro Fire.
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Carefree Park Sonoran Safari
More than 50 residents gathered braving the unusual spring heatwave for the Carefree Park Sonoran Safari last month. They got to experience firsthand the beauty and significance of one of the last remaining undeveloped open spaces in Carefree. The guided tour not only showcased the area’s ancient saguaros, wildlife, and historic Stoneman Road Military Trail, but also reinforced the community’s shared commitment to preserving this land for future generations. While meaningful progress has been made toward protecting the 48-acre parcel, the event served as a powerful reminder that continued community support is essential to ensure this unique desert landscape remains untouched.
Photos provided by Carefree Park.
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Flights of Learning Sculpture Dedication for the Burns Family
On March 25, the Town of Carefree, alongside Sue Bickerdyke Interiors and longtime Carefree resident Richard Burns, hosted a beautiful dedication ceremony for the new Flights of Learning sculpture in the Carefree Desert Gardens.
Created by artist Bryce Pettit, this stunning piece inspires both children and adults to embrace learning. It also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the Burns Family—and especially the late Liz Burns—for their ongoing commitment to the community through their generosity and support.
The ceremony was truly special, as many gathered to admire the artwork, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the lasting impact of the Burns Family.
Photos provided by Town of Carefree.
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Gary Neiss's Bobblehead Buddy
In honor of Gary Neiss’s retirement, he was gifted a custom bobblehead—one the Town hopes he’ll take along on his well-deserved vacation cruise. With his lookalike by his side, both can let their heads bobble along with the ocean waves, serving as a fun reminder of his time and lasting impact in Carefree wherever his travels may take him.
Photos provided by Town of Carefree.
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31st Annual Spring Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival
The 31st Annual Spring Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival drew crowds eager to enjoy the warmer weather and explore this vibrant open-air gallery. Guests browsed an impressive range of juried art, met the artists, and enjoyed live music, wine tastings, and gourmet bites—creating a lively celebration of creativity, community, and the Thunderbird Artists season’s grand finale.
Photos provided by Town of Carefree.
| | Town of Carefree | 8 Sundial Cir, Carefree, AZ 85377 | info@carefree.org | | | | |
