Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Forty years ago, two visionaries turned a goat farm into a desert utopia. Now, Carefree — a town that lives up to its name — is celebrating its ruby anniversary with the same whimsical spirit that inspired its unique street signs, preserved its dark, starry nights and fostered a community as resilient as the saguaros dotting its landscape.
As the town prepares to mark four decades since its incorporation, residents and visitors alike are invited to join in a series of celebrations that promise to be as unique and captivating as Carefree itself. From movie nights under the stars to a candlelight concert, the festivities offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and forward-looking optimism.
“The Carefree 40th anniversary celebrations promise to capture our rich history, who we are, and where we are going,” says Mayor John Crane. “We may only be 40 years old, but we have a whimsical story, set in beautiful Sonoran Desert surroundings, to tell. This year will be fun, and we cannot wait to share it.”
A Town Built on Dreams
Long before Carefree became an incorporated town, it was a vision in the minds of two enterprising individuals: Tom Darlington and K.T. Palmer. In 1955, they discovered a 400-acre goat farm with an abundant well and secured 2,200 surrounding acres. From this humble beginning, they began to craft their dream of a desert oasis.
Preston Westmoreland, a longtime resident and local historian, paints a vivid picture of those early days.
“K.T. Palmer wrote a book about it, ‘For Land’s Sake,’“ Westmoreland says. “He could stand on that big rock monolith and there’d be nobody within 5 miles. He counted 380 saguaros before he even turned. It was a remarkable place.”
The founders’ vision extended beyond mere development. They sought to create a community that would preserve the natural beauty of the Upper Sonoran Desert while providing a haven for those seeking a quieter, more contemplative lifestyle. This ethos is reflected in every aspect of the town, from its strict building codes to its commitment to dark skies.
“When we look back and consider our most significant achievements over the past 40 years, I believe the biggest one is that we’ve retained our small-town charm,” Mayor Crane notes. “There have been constant pressures from the outside pushing in on us — things beyond our control, some from the state level, others from our neighbors in Scottsdale and Phoenix. But despite all of that, we’ve managed to maintain our unique charm and character.”
Celebrating 4 Decades of Carefree Living
The 40th anniversary celebrations kick off on Aug. 16 with the Historical Happy Hour 5–7 p.m. at Spirit in the Desert. This event promises to be a highlight of the festivities, offering attendees a chance to delve deep into Carefree’s colorful past.
Westmoreland, who will be hosting the event, is particularly excited about one special guest.
“Ruth Palmer, K.T. Palmer’s daughter, is one of the last surviving members of the co-founder of Carefree’s family,” he shares. “I think it’s going to be a really interesting time. My guess is that a lot of people will come out of the woodwork for this event, and we’ll probably be surprised at who shows up.”
Spirit in the Desert, the venue for the Historical Happy Hour, boasts its own intriguing past, adding another layer of historical significance to the event.
“It was originally a 25,000-square-foot international restaurant,” Westmore explains. “That’s as big as a grocery store! It had six different dining rooms you could go to, featuring Nordic, South American, Asian, African, North American and European cuisine. Can you imagine the chef who had to prepare six different types of ethnic food? I can see why it closed down in two years. It was an impossible thing to do.”
The celebrations continue throughout the fall with a series of events designed to appeal to all ages and interests. The town’s Retro Reels series at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion will feature films from 1984, the year of Carefree’s incorporation. “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Footloose” and “Gremlins” are all on the docket, offering a nostalgic trip back to the era when Carefree was taking its first steps as an incorporated town.
For those more interested in gazing at the stars than watching them on screen, a family stargazing event is scheduled for Oct. 5 at Our Lady of Joy Church.
“If you look up at the stars, especially on a moonless night, you get quite a show,” Mayor Crane notes. “We want to enhance that experience and reinforce that it’s part of our community.”
Other events include an afternoon of well-being with CIVANA, a fall restaurant week featuring special $40 menus, and a classic car and plane show at Sky Ranch Airport. The celebrations will culminate in a VIP candlelight concert on Dec. 7, promising a magical end to a season of festivities.
A Legacy of Character and Charm
As Carefree celebrates its 40th birthday, it’s worth reflecting on what makes this town so special. For Mayor Crane, it’s the sense of community that sets Carefree apart.
“We have organizations that really tie the community together and reinforce that small-town feel,” he explains. “You’ve got Kiwanis, the Foothills Caring Corps, and the fact that [Desert Foothills Theater] comes up to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the town center.”
Westmoreland echoes this sentiment.
“Carefree is probably one of the most peaceful places in the world,” he adds. “My wife and I are so glad we moved up here. I never want to live anywhere else. I love to get up and go out my front door to hear wildlife. Sometimes it’s so quiet you can hear the blood rushing in your ears.”
This tranquility, combined with the town’s unique character, has attracted a diverse array of residents over the years, including many notable figures.
“There were so many big, important people in Carefree, but they didn’t want anybody to know they were here,” Westmoreland reveals. “I heard it was the largest collection of CEOs and company owners in America per capita. Every house has a story here as you go down the street.”
From its iconic sundial to its whimsically named streets (where else can you find an intersection of Ho and Hum?), Carefree has managed to maintain its distinctive personality even as it has grown and evolved over the past four decades.
Looking to the Future
As Carefree celebrates its past, it’s also looking ahead to the future. Mayor Crane sees the town’s limited growth potential as a strength rather than a limitation.
“Our town is landlocked at 9 square miles, and that’s not going to change,” he explains. “We currently have about 3,700 residents. If you look at the forecasts for total build-out, we might reach 4,200 to 4,250 residents. So there’s not a heck of a lot more growth within our borders that’s going to happen.
“The key for us is to respect our zoning and the wishes of our residents, and to continue remembering who we are and maintaining our character.”
This commitment to preserving Carefree’s essence while adapting to changing times is evident in the town’s approach to challenges like water conservation and open space preservation.
“We’ve taken significant steps by bringing all of our residents’ water services under the Carefree Water Company,” Mayor Crane notes. “Additionally, we’re involved in a project that will likely raise the height of Bartlett Dam to improve our water portfolio.”
As for open space, the mayor points to two organizations dedicated to preservation within the town: the Desert Foothills Land Trust and Carefree Park. These efforts ensure future generations will be able to enjoy the same natural beauty that has defined Carefree since its inception.
“I’d say that 20 years from now, whoever’s sitting in this chair will be able to say many of the same things I’m saying today,” Mayor Crane emphasizes. “They’ll talk about how Carefree is still a place where you can just go places, walk around and enjoy a great community to raise your family in.”
As the sun sets on another perfect day in Carefree, casting long shadows across the desert landscape, one can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the celebrations to come. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious visitor, the 40th anniversary events offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of this desert gem.
So mark your calendars, dust off your 1984 memorabilia and get ready to celebrate 40 years of the Carefree life. After all, in a town where every street tells a story and every sunset is a celebration, turning 40 is just the beginning of the adventure.
Carefree’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations
- Friday, Aug. 16 — Historical Happy Hour with Preston Westmoreland // 5–7 p.m. // Spirit in the Desert // 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree
- Wednesday, Sept. 4 — Afternoon of Well-Being with CIVANA // 2–5 p.m. // CIVANA // 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree
- Friday, Sept. 27 — Retro Reels: “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” // 7–9 p.m. // Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion // 101 Easy St., Carefree
- Sept. 30–Oct. 6 — Carefree Fall Restaurant Week // Various locations throughout Carefree
- Saturday, Oct. 5 — Dark Skies (Family Stargazing Event) // 7–9 p.m. // Our Lady of Joy Church // 36811 N. Pima Road, Carefree
- Friday, Oct. 25 — Retro Reels: “Footloose” // 7–9 p.m. // Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion // 101 Easy St., Carefree
- Saturday, Nov. 9 — Wings and Wheels: Classic Cars & Planes // 10 a.m.–2 p.m. // Sky Ranch Airport // 38900 N. School House Road, Carefree
- Friday, Nov. 30 — Retro Reels: “Gremlins” // 7–9 p.m. // Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion // 101 Easy St., Carefree
- Saturday, Dec. 7 — VIP Candlelight Concert // 5–8 p.m. // Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion // 101 Easy St., Carefree
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