Carefree Truth
Issue #560, April 17, 2017
Mayor Les Peterson explained that the plans for the Christmas Festival are in the preliminary stage; nothing is "set in stone". The working title is "Christmas in Carefree", a Season of Traditions. This works in both Christmas and Carefree. In discussions with many people, the Town heard over and over that the Christmas Festival is highly popular and anticipated. It is one of 2 signature Carefree events, and for many years it was the only one. The subtitle focuses on the Christmas Season during the month of December, and on Christmas Traditions.
A community celebration during the Christmas Season has been an integral part of the Carefree season calendar for the past 11 years. It began as a musical event held by the Town Council at the Carefree Resort. Vice Mayor Lloyd Meyer and his wife Donna played the organ and piano, accompanying carolers. Over 1000 Carefree residents attended the first year. This grew into the Christmas Festival. The Festival has received support from the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce as well as from many other groups within the Desert Foothills. The Mayor "took his hat off" to Mrs. Jo Gemmill, who nurtured, shepherded and built it into the integral event that it is today.
Funding was partially underwritten by the Town. Funding was also provided by corporate and local business donations, as well as donations from individuals. It was organized and managed by Mrs. Gemmill and her volunteers and by volunteer organizations. The Christmas Festival has grown in stature over the years. The Mayor can't imagine Christmas without Carefree's stamp on it.
The overall event strategy is to expand on a really good event, keeping what works, refreshing existing elements and adding new elements to keep the event fresh and to generate more excitement and enthusiasm. In addition, the Town plans to add elements that generate revenue, enhance the experience and offset some of the costs to the Town. Carefree has talked to other towns in the Valley to see what they feel works best and what they use for cost recovery. Community, resident and merchant pride and participation will be emphasized. Maximum opportunities will be provided for all interested groups and individuals, particularly including religious organizations, non-profit organizations and youth/family groups. Discussions with several of these groups have taken place, and many good ideas came out of those meetings.
Marketing is figuring out what is working, doing more of it, and figuring out what isn't working so it can be modified or eliminated, all within the proscribed budget. That said, the Mayor passed the floor over to Marketing Director Gina Kaegi, who stated that the Christmas Festival is very strong locally in the Desert Foothills area, for which she commended Jo Gemmill. It takes time to build the process and the traditions. Carefree needs to be very protective of some key elements.
In the past, the Christmas Festival has drawn approximately 20,000 visitors over a busy 3 day period. This has been a lot of work and a lot of reward, but the Town would now like to spread that out over a 4 week period, to build a "season". This is a creative partnership with the community. The Pumpkin Festival allowed several of the non-profits to have fundraisers over the 2 week period, and the Town would like to extend this opportunity to the Christmas Festival. Mrs. Kaegi stressed that this is a skeleton structure, echoing the Mayor's statement that nothing is carved in stone.
The Gardens will be decorated with Holiday lights from November-January. Friday, December 1st, would kick off the "Christmas season" with a 25'-30' tree lighting under the sundial, something unique to Carefree. There would also be entertainment and family activities in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, and a Garden Walk. December 2nd & 3rd, would feature Breakfast with Santa in the Carefree Alpine Snow Village with real snow and a 35' high Alpine Slide, photos with Santa and the Elves, a Snow Globe that people could walk into for photos, Arts & Crafts with Mrs. Santa, local entertainment and family activities.
December 9th & 10th would feature the Carefree Alpine Snow Village, Brunch with Santa, a small open air market, a daytime Foothills Community Parade, local entertainment and family activities.
On December 16th & 17th, there would be photos with Santa in the Pavilion, local entertainment, family activities and Family Movie Night. On December 23rd, there would be photos with Santa in the Pavilion, local entertainment and family activities.
This schedule would compliment the infrastructure and the Town's small footprint, while maintaining safety. $5 could be charged for an all day "play in real snow" Alpine Snow Village pass. The Town is not looking to make money, but to offset some of the costs while keeping it affordable to families. Mrs. Kaegi brought her son to see Santa at the first Christmas Festival. She loves Ron, who plays Santa, and would like to see more Santa throughout the Festival. The plan is aimed at giving families and Carefree residents something to do throughout the Holiday season, bringing people into town on a regular basis while keeping parking manageable.
Mayor Peterson felt this is a strong approach. It would level it out, keeping the activities going for a longer period and continuing the spirit that has been generated by this Festival over the last decade.
The Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce has been responsible for the parade for many years. The CF/CC Chamber Board of Directors chairwoman Jennifer McGirr thanked Jo Gemmill and Carefree for everything the parade has meant. The Chamber is proud and honored to partner with the Town of Carefree and the Desert Foothills community to support bringing business to the merchants. She liked the "safe" aspect of a morning parade. The Chamber is excited to work with the Town to help bring people into the downtown.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer called Mrs. Kaegi an "idea machine" who has come up with some really wonderful ideas to keep something going for 3-4 weeks. She loved the idea of starting out with a tree lighting ceremony, then going on to an Alpine Village. Tying in Breakfast with Santa to the Alpine Village gives families something to do for an extended period, and provides something of value for which the Town is able to charge, not to make money but to recoup some of the costs. She also liked the idea of a European style Christmas Market with vendors who support the Christmas theme. Last year was her first Christmas Festival. She found it amazing and exciting, and looks forward to expanding it.
Councilman Mike Farrar was excited to see it forming. He thanked Mrs. Gemmill for bringing this wonderful festival to the community. He was sorry she was not involved going forward, but thanked her for everything she's done in the past to bring us here. He liked the Alpine Village. He is sensitive to children. He suggested a $5 a day "family pass", rather than charging $5 per person, to keep it affordable. Some have 4-5 children and it can get pretty expensive. He doesn't want to see any child turned away. He was also pleased to see that the parade remained. It brings hometown people and groups together.
Mayor Peterson said they are discussing joining the people and the animals parade into one large parade. He agreed that Mrs. Kaegi is an idea machine. She talked about a "season pass" for the event, much like a season pass for skiers. Mr. Farrar asked if the event would be free to Carefree residents like the Thunderbird Art shows. Mrs. Kaegi said it would be considered. Vice Mayor John Crane noted that this is a "skeleton" and other ideas are always welcomed. Mrs. Kaegi agreed that this is a collaboration. The platform is so big that the non profits can have 1-2 days dedicated to each. The Town has the time, the platform, the creativity, and people who love this community. There is no reason it can't be the best event north of the 101.
Councilman Jim Van Allen remembered being on the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Posse during the original Christmas musical events at the Carefree Resort. He said hundreds of people showed up the first year and even more showed up the second year. It was free. MCSO had 2 Deputies and maybe 10 Possemen there. The Chamber was not involved. He said, "I can assure you that what you are about to do in short 6-7 months planning, where they used to use almost a whole year planning, is a possible train wreck, and I really caution you". He didn't know how much one-on-one they had with Jo and Patty. He said he has attended all those meetings. "It takes a tremendous amount of experience to do what you are about to do." He didn't feel the Town had the experience without Mrs. Gemmill and a heavy reliance on the Chamber. He was never a fan of the fireworks and was glad to see they were not part of the presentation. They cost $6,000-7,000. He also felt there were not enough revenue producing items and he wanted to see more.
Mr. Farrar asked if Ray Villafane would be involved. Mrs. Kaegi said anything's possible. He brought up Mr. Van Allen's desire to see more revenue generating features. He agreed that, looking at the budget, all these elements are important, but just as important are the great relationships developed with the sponsors. It's always a challenge, but he would like to keep it as affordable as possible for families.
Addressing Mr. Van Allen's point, Mayor Peterson said that he knows how difficult it is. The first iteration of the first Pumpkin Festival started in May of that year and the Festival took place that October, so it is possible but requires working together in a concerted, cooperative spirit. Councilman Gene Orrico reiterated that it was not set in stone, and Mrs. Kaegi agreed it is a work in progress that is "about 20% there". Ms. Kroyer referred to it as a framework. The Mayor said some of the pieces have already been implemented. The lights have been ordered. The Gardens will be more lit up than ever throughout the entire time to provide a tremendous environment.
Jo Gemmill was the last speaker. She thanked the Council for giving her the opportunity to speak. It was the first time she had seen the plans for the Festival, and felt they looked very encouraging. She was thrilled to see that the spirit of Carefree is continuing, if even if not in the same format. The Festival has come a long way from the days of an inflatable Santa tied to a tree. She has always said that, even if she is not involved, she hoped it would continue in some fashion, like the Cave Creek Christmas Pageant. When you start something, you hope it becomes a tradition. She hopes it will continue throughout the history of Carefree, and was glad to be a part of it. She was also encouraged to see that the Chamber will be part of it, calling Patty and Jennifer strong leaders.
She said she was here tonight, based on her experience, to point out a couple of things that concerned her. Her main concern was the public's expectations. She stepped away because changes were coming with which she could not align herself, such as charging for events that had been free. In her mind, it should always remain a free event, giving to the community, not taking from the community.
Her second concern was the Electric Light Parade, which has been the signature part of the Festival. She thanked Patty and Jennifer for managing it. It's what people think of when they think of the Christmas Festival. It's an integral part, coming out at night, seeing the Christmas lights, seeing Santa and everything that goes with it. People start putting out their lawn chairs along Easy Street at 2:00 in the afternoon. This will happen again unless there is some way to explain to them that the parade has already taken place at 10:00 in the morning, sorry, you missed it. The fireworks are also a signature part of the event. People plan their evenings around them.
Mrs. Gemmill was glad to see plans for continued community involvement. The Christmas Festival is a community owned festival. She was also glad to see the word Christmas is still being used and is not a dirty word, instead of calling it the Winter Festival.
There has, perhaps, been some misinformation about the Festival and she looks forward to the Town putting out the right information to the public, the sooner the better. You can't change 9 years of expectations and tradition overnight. The Posse will still have their hands full managing traffic on the middle weekend about 5:00 in the afternoon, with people coming for a parade that perhaps is not going to happen. People get very upset when tradition is changed.
Cautionary notes aside, she is enthusiastic that the Town is going ahead with the Festival and that the "old usual suspects" will continue to be involved. She is pleased to get to spend Christmas with her family for a change. Mrs. Gemmill thanked the Town for their kind words about her personally, but said it was not just her. She saw many members of the Christmas Festival Committee in the room. She pointed out Toby Payne, Jennifer McGirr, Herbert and me, Kevin Stuckey, Gina Kaegi, Gary Neiss, the Town Council members who volunteered, and her husband, Bob, who only saw the back of her head on the computer for months.
Mrs. Gemmill received a standing ovation. Mayor Peterson thanked her again for her wonderful contributions to the town, the residents, and the whole spirit of the holidays and Christmas. It is really appreciated. He hoped she will stay involved, sharing her wisdom and experience. The Mayor is excited about Christmas. "Let's get together, take it to be something even bigger and more expansive than it has been."
https://vimeo.com/213330523
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #560, April 17, 2017
Mayor Les Peterson explained that the plans for the Christmas Festival are in the preliminary stage; nothing is "set in stone". The working title is "Christmas in Carefree", a Season of Traditions. This works in both Christmas and Carefree. In discussions with many people, the Town heard over and over that the Christmas Festival is highly popular and anticipated. It is one of 2 signature Carefree events, and for many years it was the only one. The subtitle focuses on the Christmas Season during the month of December, and on Christmas Traditions.
A community celebration during the Christmas Season has been an integral part of the Carefree season calendar for the past 11 years. It began as a musical event held by the Town Council at the Carefree Resort. Vice Mayor Lloyd Meyer and his wife Donna played the organ and piano, accompanying carolers. Over 1000 Carefree residents attended the first year. This grew into the Christmas Festival. The Festival has received support from the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce as well as from many other groups within the Desert Foothills. The Mayor "took his hat off" to Mrs. Jo Gemmill, who nurtured, shepherded and built it into the integral event that it is today.
Funding was partially underwritten by the Town. Funding was also provided by corporate and local business donations, as well as donations from individuals. It was organized and managed by Mrs. Gemmill and her volunteers and by volunteer organizations. The Christmas Festival has grown in stature over the years. The Mayor can't imagine Christmas without Carefree's stamp on it.
The overall event strategy is to expand on a really good event, keeping what works, refreshing existing elements and adding new elements to keep the event fresh and to generate more excitement and enthusiasm. In addition, the Town plans to add elements that generate revenue, enhance the experience and offset some of the costs to the Town. Carefree has talked to other towns in the Valley to see what they feel works best and what they use for cost recovery. Community, resident and merchant pride and participation will be emphasized. Maximum opportunities will be provided for all interested groups and individuals, particularly including religious organizations, non-profit organizations and youth/family groups. Discussions with several of these groups have taken place, and many good ideas came out of those meetings.
Marketing is figuring out what is working, doing more of it, and figuring out what isn't working so it can be modified or eliminated, all within the proscribed budget. That said, the Mayor passed the floor over to Marketing Director Gina Kaegi, who stated that the Christmas Festival is very strong locally in the Desert Foothills area, for which she commended Jo Gemmill. It takes time to build the process and the traditions. Carefree needs to be very protective of some key elements.
In the past, the Christmas Festival has drawn approximately 20,000 visitors over a busy 3 day period. This has been a lot of work and a lot of reward, but the Town would now like to spread that out over a 4 week period, to build a "season". This is a creative partnership with the community. The Pumpkin Festival allowed several of the non-profits to have fundraisers over the 2 week period, and the Town would like to extend this opportunity to the Christmas Festival. Mrs. Kaegi stressed that this is a skeleton structure, echoing the Mayor's statement that nothing is carved in stone.
The Gardens will be decorated with Holiday lights from November-January. Friday, December 1st, would kick off the "Christmas season" with a 25'-30' tree lighting under the sundial, something unique to Carefree. There would also be entertainment and family activities in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, and a Garden Walk. December 2nd & 3rd, would feature Breakfast with Santa in the Carefree Alpine Snow Village with real snow and a 35' high Alpine Slide, photos with Santa and the Elves, a Snow Globe that people could walk into for photos, Arts & Crafts with Mrs. Santa, local entertainment and family activities.
December 9th & 10th would feature the Carefree Alpine Snow Village, Brunch with Santa, a small open air market, a daytime Foothills Community Parade, local entertainment and family activities.
On December 16th & 17th, there would be photos with Santa in the Pavilion, local entertainment, family activities and Family Movie Night. On December 23rd, there would be photos with Santa in the Pavilion, local entertainment and family activities.
This schedule would compliment the infrastructure and the Town's small footprint, while maintaining safety. $5 could be charged for an all day "play in real snow" Alpine Snow Village pass. The Town is not looking to make money, but to offset some of the costs while keeping it affordable to families. Mrs. Kaegi brought her son to see Santa at the first Christmas Festival. She loves Ron, who plays Santa, and would like to see more Santa throughout the Festival. The plan is aimed at giving families and Carefree residents something to do throughout the Holiday season, bringing people into town on a regular basis while keeping parking manageable.
Mayor Peterson felt this is a strong approach. It would level it out, keeping the activities going for a longer period and continuing the spirit that has been generated by this Festival over the last decade.
The Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce has been responsible for the parade for many years. The CF/CC Chamber Board of Directors chairwoman Jennifer McGirr thanked Jo Gemmill and Carefree for everything the parade has meant. The Chamber is proud and honored to partner with the Town of Carefree and the Desert Foothills community to support bringing business to the merchants. She liked the "safe" aspect of a morning parade. The Chamber is excited to work with the Town to help bring people into the downtown.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer called Mrs. Kaegi an "idea machine" who has come up with some really wonderful ideas to keep something going for 3-4 weeks. She loved the idea of starting out with a tree lighting ceremony, then going on to an Alpine Village. Tying in Breakfast with Santa to the Alpine Village gives families something to do for an extended period, and provides something of value for which the Town is able to charge, not to make money but to recoup some of the costs. She also liked the idea of a European style Christmas Market with vendors who support the Christmas theme. Last year was her first Christmas Festival. She found it amazing and exciting, and looks forward to expanding it.
Councilman Mike Farrar was excited to see it forming. He thanked Mrs. Gemmill for bringing this wonderful festival to the community. He was sorry she was not involved going forward, but thanked her for everything she's done in the past to bring us here. He liked the Alpine Village. He is sensitive to children. He suggested a $5 a day "family pass", rather than charging $5 per person, to keep it affordable. Some have 4-5 children and it can get pretty expensive. He doesn't want to see any child turned away. He was also pleased to see that the parade remained. It brings hometown people and groups together.
Mayor Peterson said they are discussing joining the people and the animals parade into one large parade. He agreed that Mrs. Kaegi is an idea machine. She talked about a "season pass" for the event, much like a season pass for skiers. Mr. Farrar asked if the event would be free to Carefree residents like the Thunderbird Art shows. Mrs. Kaegi said it would be considered. Vice Mayor John Crane noted that this is a "skeleton" and other ideas are always welcomed. Mrs. Kaegi agreed that this is a collaboration. The platform is so big that the non profits can have 1-2 days dedicated to each. The Town has the time, the platform, the creativity, and people who love this community. There is no reason it can't be the best event north of the 101.
Councilman Jim Van Allen remembered being on the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Posse during the original Christmas musical events at the Carefree Resort. He said hundreds of people showed up the first year and even more showed up the second year. It was free. MCSO had 2 Deputies and maybe 10 Possemen there. The Chamber was not involved. He said, "I can assure you that what you are about to do in short 6-7 months planning, where they used to use almost a whole year planning, is a possible train wreck, and I really caution you". He didn't know how much one-on-one they had with Jo and Patty. He said he has attended all those meetings. "It takes a tremendous amount of experience to do what you are about to do." He didn't feel the Town had the experience without Mrs. Gemmill and a heavy reliance on the Chamber. He was never a fan of the fireworks and was glad to see they were not part of the presentation. They cost $6,000-7,000. He also felt there were not enough revenue producing items and he wanted to see more.
Mr. Farrar asked if Ray Villafane would be involved. Mrs. Kaegi said anything's possible. He brought up Mr. Van Allen's desire to see more revenue generating features. He agreed that, looking at the budget, all these elements are important, but just as important are the great relationships developed with the sponsors. It's always a challenge, but he would like to keep it as affordable as possible for families.
Addressing Mr. Van Allen's point, Mayor Peterson said that he knows how difficult it is. The first iteration of the first Pumpkin Festival started in May of that year and the Festival took place that October, so it is possible but requires working together in a concerted, cooperative spirit. Councilman Gene Orrico reiterated that it was not set in stone, and Mrs. Kaegi agreed it is a work in progress that is "about 20% there". Ms. Kroyer referred to it as a framework. The Mayor said some of the pieces have already been implemented. The lights have been ordered. The Gardens will be more lit up than ever throughout the entire time to provide a tremendous environment.
Jo Gemmill was the last speaker. She thanked the Council for giving her the opportunity to speak. It was the first time she had seen the plans for the Festival, and felt they looked very encouraging. She was thrilled to see that the spirit of Carefree is continuing, if even if not in the same format. The Festival has come a long way from the days of an inflatable Santa tied to a tree. She has always said that, even if she is not involved, she hoped it would continue in some fashion, like the Cave Creek Christmas Pageant. When you start something, you hope it becomes a tradition. She hopes it will continue throughout the history of Carefree, and was glad to be a part of it. She was also encouraged to see that the Chamber will be part of it, calling Patty and Jennifer strong leaders.
She said she was here tonight, based on her experience, to point out a couple of things that concerned her. Her main concern was the public's expectations. She stepped away because changes were coming with which she could not align herself, such as charging for events that had been free. In her mind, it should always remain a free event, giving to the community, not taking from the community.
Her second concern was the Electric Light Parade, which has been the signature part of the Festival. She thanked Patty and Jennifer for managing it. It's what people think of when they think of the Christmas Festival. It's an integral part, coming out at night, seeing the Christmas lights, seeing Santa and everything that goes with it. People start putting out their lawn chairs along Easy Street at 2:00 in the afternoon. This will happen again unless there is some way to explain to them that the parade has already taken place at 10:00 in the morning, sorry, you missed it. The fireworks are also a signature part of the event. People plan their evenings around them.
Mrs. Gemmill was glad to see plans for continued community involvement. The Christmas Festival is a community owned festival. She was also glad to see the word Christmas is still being used and is not a dirty word, instead of calling it the Winter Festival.
There has, perhaps, been some misinformation about the Festival and she looks forward to the Town putting out the right information to the public, the sooner the better. You can't change 9 years of expectations and tradition overnight. The Posse will still have their hands full managing traffic on the middle weekend about 5:00 in the afternoon, with people coming for a parade that perhaps is not going to happen. People get very upset when tradition is changed.
Cautionary notes aside, she is enthusiastic that the Town is going ahead with the Festival and that the "old usual suspects" will continue to be involved. She is pleased to get to spend Christmas with her family for a change. Mrs. Gemmill thanked the Town for their kind words about her personally, but said it was not just her. She saw many members of the Christmas Festival Committee in the room. She pointed out Toby Payne, Jennifer McGirr, Herbert and me, Kevin Stuckey, Gina Kaegi, Gary Neiss, the Town Council members who volunteered, and her husband, Bob, who only saw the back of her head on the computer for months.
Mrs. Gemmill received a standing ovation. Mayor Peterson thanked her again for her wonderful contributions to the town, the residents, and the whole spirit of the holidays and Christmas. It is really appreciated. He hoped she will stay involved, sharing her wisdom and experience. The Mayor is excited about Christmas. "Let's get together, take it to be something even bigger and more expansive than it has been."
https://vimeo.com/213330523
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.