Every year, for the last 10 years I have written a “thank you” letter to the Sonoran News, expressing my gratitude and thanks to all those involved in the Carefree Christmas Festival.
This year is the first time in 10 years that I have not led the Carefree Christmas Festival, with my stellar team of volunteers.
The festival began as a free 3 day festival that was focused on the children in our community. We had so many fabulous times and great memories with the Electric Light Parade, the Foothills Animal Rescue Pet Parade and of course the free snow slide and snow play area.
Our non-profit community came together to help provide 3 days of holiday entertainment. Desert Foothills Theater performed on stage, as did the special students with AZ Dance Group and our beloved Desert Cactus Kickers. Our local Emcee Kevin Glenn coordinated many of the musical performances and Desert Foothills Library provided Mrs. Claus for storytime with the children. The 3 day Christmas Gift Market provided by Magic Bird Festivals, filled the Carefree Gardens with festive booths and holiday shoppers.
Many other dance groups and entertainers created “kid-friendly” shows for the families.
Our local community came out in droves and the festival became a family tradition and amongst the top 10 “must do” holiday events in the State.
I will always remember the early years of the Electric Light Parade and the thousands of people that attended. Easy Street was jammed with families all eager to see the night light up with festive floats. Remember that hot air balloon whose flame warmed the faces of the kids sat on the sides of the street?
MCSO Posse members provided all the support we needed to successfully manage the crowds and traffic, with no incidents reported to me.
Our local merchant community supported the festival with donations and their contributions were invaluable to the success of the event.
This year, with the many changes to the festival planned by the Town of Carefree, I chose to step down in January as the Director.
I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone involved in the original Carefree Christmas Festival and acknowledge the dedication and countless hours of volunteer work over the many years.
We can all be proud of our accomplishments and know that we brought Christmas to Carefree, long may the festival continue for many years to come.
Merry Christmas to you and all your families.
Jo Gemmill
Carefree Christmas Festival Director
