With the smiles, enthusiasm and energy of the Christmas in Carefree festival still dancing like sugar plums in our heads, what better time to take stock of the past two weeks?
We lit our first Town Christmas Tree to kick off the festival. It drew nearly 3,000 guests, who were treated to the angelic voices and bells of the Phoenix Boy’s Choir followed by a Candle Light Garden Walk. It was a spectacular sign of things to come. Our first daytime parade drew 38 floats, 800 participants, and ushered in the arrival of Santa seated comfortably in a stagecoach. The participants loved the daytime venue and the spectators, most of whom were from the Foothills in and around Carefree, also enjoyed the parade on a warm sunny day. The joy and enthusiasm on the faces of the children was special.
Our weekends were full of events that delighted visitors. Highlights included the Ryan Sims Country Band. A concert that had such energy, it rocked the Pavilion. The concert was followed by a spectacular fireworks display that inexplicably seemed to have 3 grand finales! We had a Snow Village, that to our young guests seemingly could not open soon enough and closed much too early. We were entertained by the comedy of Jill Kimmel and her tribute to vets and first responders, other concerts by Marmalade Skies – the Beatles Tribute Band and the Main Event Band, the Phoenix Youth Ballet performing excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite and Elf on a Shelf, the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, and a sprinkling of other entertainment that kept our steady stream of guests smiling. We also enjoyed a vetted Christmas market in the gardens, as well as directing visitors to our local shops, galleries and restaurants.
Christmas in Carefree 2017 has proven once again to be a true community event starting with the the tireless efforts of an army of volunteers and the Town staff. The support and coordination of the Chamber of Commerce made our first daytime Christmas Parade a rousing success. Our many donors and sponsors generously supported our efforts. The Holiday lighting within the Carefree Garden was especially magical this year.
I encourage you to take an evening walk under the desert night skies – enjoy the Christmas Tree, the lit Sundial, the many Christmas lights, the Chanukah menorah and the beauty of the Garden, and to visit our many stores, restaurants and galleries.
And, thank you Don and the Sonoran News for the exceptional front page coverage you provided leading up to Christmas in Carefree. I wish you and your many readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a blessed Holiday Season.
Best regards,
John Crane
Vice Mayor, Town of Carefree
