Carefree, A Little History

From it’s earliest days, the SkyRanch at Carefree airport has been a part of the community.  If fact, the airport was in existence long before the town was incorporated.  Tom Darlington & K.T. Palmer formed a partnership and acquired the land that is now know as Carefree.

In 1961, the Carefree Sundial was completed, the same year as the airport.  With a 4,000′ gravel runway, the airport provided the means to attract wealthy investors & visitors needed to sustain the growth of the new town.

Carefree, An All American Town

Carefree is a typical small town community not unlike any other American small town.   The town is just under 9 square miles and has a population of roughly 3,500.  Plan a little extra time when you to to the local grocery store or the post office, you are sure to run into someone you know.   Take a walk through the Carefree Desert Gardens, one of two public botanical gardens located in the Valley.

Activities are just one of the things that make Carefree unique.  There is the weekly Farmer’s Market, the summer Sand Sculpting and fall Enchanted Pumpkin Garden by Ray Villafane, the award winning sand sculptor.  Don’t miss the many art and wine festivals throughout the fall and spring months.  Over the holiday season is the Carefree Christmas Festival the Electric Light Parade and tons of snow – in the desert.

For a more complete listing of what Carefree has to offer, click on the button below.

Carefree, Where You Will Find the Unexpected

Where can you find an elephant playing a game of chess with a mouse.  Come see the work of world renowned artist, Ray Villafane.  You will not be disappointed, but don’t wait too long, the sculpture will only be up through the end of August.