Cave Creek
Cave Creek is an exclusive artistic desert community north of Phoenix. Panorama Hills Monthly Newspaper is delivered to many non-gated homes in the Cave Creek area and distributed at news stands at gas stations, resorts, restaurants and the Chamber of Commerce.
This page will feature news related to the Cave Creek community.
Take a
wildflower trail ride In
Cave Creek
CAVE CREEK
— The wildflower season is upon us, and what better way to
experience its glory than on horseback? “You can really enjoy
the wildflowers this way,” said Deb Bitton, co-owner of Cave
Creek Trail Rides, based at the Cave Creek Regional Park, just
north of Carefree Highway in Cave Creek. “A trail ride gives you
a chance to get out, enjoy the desert, and let the horses
watch where they step.” Wildflowers typically begin blooming in
early- to mid-March.
“Based on the rains we got this winter, we should see an above-average wildflower display this year – possibly even spectacular!” said Amy Ford, the park’s supervisor.
Along the trail, guides inform riders about the Sonoran Desert landscape. “You’ll get up close and personal with the saguaro cactus,” said Bitton. “We talk about how they grow, when they get their first arms, their life spans, what makes them unique and what makes some have the deformities they have.”
The rides - Cave Creek Trail Rides offers one- and one and a half-hour “Wildflower Rides.” The longer ride offers two options: one with an elevation of 2,500 feet and the other, peaking at 2,000 feet. The higher trail offers Valley-wide views while the lower one gives a closer-up perspective. Both are expected to delight riders with bursts of color. “People from other places may think the desert is just a dry, colorless place. Here, they can realize that the desert is really alive,” said Bitton. “This is their chance to see it in vibrant color―golds, yellows and fuschias.”
You don’t have to be a skilled horseman to enjoy the event. Rides are open to all ages, six and up. Jeff and Deb Bitton’s 40-year experience translates to safe trail rides on well-trained horses.
“It was my six-year-old’s first time on a trail ride, and I have never seen him enjoy something so very much,” said Charlotte Moore of San Dimas, Calif. “He was so at peace and excited during the ride! Our guide Joe was also wonderful―very knowledgeable about the surroundings, the environment and history of the area, which made the beautiful and scenic ride so interesting.”
Trail rides can be scheduled throughout the day, any day of the week. Sunset rides return to the stables at dusk, taking best advantage of the radiant scenes.
“I found the ride to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable I've ever taken,” said Kim Cofman-Bolourtchi of St. Louis, Mo. “Our guides were attentive and fun, and it was a great experience from beginning to end.”
While waiting for the trail ride to begin, guests can pet some of the 25 ride-ready horses and see how well-cared for they are. “We take great pride in our horses, our corral area and our employees,” said Bitton, “and we treat them like we would our own home and family.”
Cave Creek Trail Rides - Jeff and Deb Bitton began offering trail rides in Stanley, Idaho in 1969. They opened Cave Creek Trail Rides in 1999, creating a true Western experience just on the northern fringes of the Greater Phoenix area. Families, friends and neighbors, as well as corporate, school, church and civic groups can all have fun while learning about horses and spending quality time together. Cowboy and cowgirl boots, hats and chaps are available for those who want to dress the part. And toy guns along with lassos add to the photo opportunities.
“We’re in the memory-making business,” said Bitton. “It’s so great to see people having fun, getting on a horse, and enjoying the whole cowboy and cowgirl experience.”
More information - Cave Creek Trail Rides, located at 37019 N. 32nd St. Cave Creek, 85331, is open every day from Columbus Day weekend through the first weekend of May. Round-trip transportation can be scheduled through Pepper’s Private Car Service, 602-501-3328 or www.pepperscarservice.com . More information about Cave Creek Trail Rides is available at 623-742-6700 or www.cavecreektrailrides.com .
ARIZONA’S NATIONAL MONUMENTS PHOTOS, INFORMATION, AND STORIES PRESENTED BY AQUA FRIA NATIONAL MONUMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PEGGY BIEGLER
Please join the New River/Desert Hills Community Association (NR/DHCA) at their Tuesday, January 12 meeting starting at 7:30 PM. This special meeting will be held at Crossroads Christian Fellowship at 42425 N. New River Road.
Arizona has more National Monuments under the National Landscape Conservation System than any state. Peggy Biegler, Executive Director of the Friends of the Agua Fria National Monument, will share photographs and information about these special places that are easily accessible in our state. Each one was preserved because of special characteristics, wildlife, plants, archaeological or cultural resources. No two monuments offer the same experience in the wonderful variety of climates and landscapes Arizona offers its residents. These will be preserved for future generations to enjoy in a way that national parks and other recreational areas will not. Come learn about these unique treasures of Arizona. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
This meeting also marks the beginning of new year so NR/DHCA is seeking nominees for the Board of Director elections to be held in March. Anyone who is a member in good standing is eligible to run. Please let us know if you are interested or want to nominate someone; call Shareen at 623-742-0150 or email NR/DHCA at nrdhca@gmail.com
The New River/Desert Hills Community Association is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to protecting our community and preserving its rural lifestyle. We do this by keeping ourselves informed and providing broad input to a wide array of county, state, and federal agencies and elected officials. This meeting is your opportunity to be part of the solution. Come, enjoy, and join! Call 623-742-0150 or visit www.nrdhca.org for more information.
NORTH COUNTRY CONSERVANCY – ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKER THELDA WILLIAMS, DESSERT POTLUCK, AUCTION & MORE!!
Fun Meeting to Keep Our Open Spaces
North Country Conservancy’s is the leader of efforts to preserve the natural landscape and wildlife habitat in the Daisy Mountain/Anthem/New River/Desert Hills region. The keynote speaker, Thelda Williams (Phoenix District 2 Councilwoman), will be sharing her views on the importance of Pioneer Village and Daisy Mountain. NCC will also provide a short review of their 2009 accomplishments and propose their 2010 plans.
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When: Saturday, January 23, 2010 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
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Where: Pioneer Living History Village Opera House (3901 West Pioneer Road; take I-17 exit 225)
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Who: Open to all
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RSVP: ahutchinson@daisymountain.org or 623-742-6514. Space is limited!!!
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Why: Review NCC's 2009 accomplishments and adventures
· Provide your input on NCC's 2010 proposed plans
· Help raise funds through a silent auction and raffle
More: Dessert potluck, a silent auction and a raffle among other activities.
Items for the silent auction are still being sought. Those interested in contributing to the auction or attending the meeting are asked to contact Ann Hutchinson at 623-742-6514 or at ahutchinson@daisymountain.org.
News from Pages
Bookstore:
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"Homesteading
Along the Creek:
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New
DFT Conservatory of Performing Arts
offers theater training for adults and youth
Desert Foothills Theater announces the opening of DFT
Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) offering theater training
for adults and youth.
Classes will be held at the new FCF-Holland Community Center
located on 60th Street, south of the Carefree Highway.
Adult classes include play writing, acting/scene work,
acting/monologues, musical theater and others. Youth classes
include voice class, movement for theater, acting/scene work,
acting for film and much more.
Instructors include Kevin Glenn, Meribeth Reeves, Lori Vander
Maten, Darlene Duffy, Diedre Kaye, Alexx Stuart, Lisa Andres and
others.
You may find a full class listing, class descriptions,
instructor bios and register online at Desert Foothills Theater
website at http://www.desertfoothillstheater.com.
You can also pick up a FREE catalog at the FCF-Holland Community
Center or call 480-488-1981 and one will be mailed to you. The
DFT is a program of the FCF (formerly the Foothills Community
Foundation).
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The
5th Annual Cave Creek Wild West Days
The 5th annual Cave Creek Wild West Days
event is a festive weekend is coordinated by the non-profit Cave
Creek Merchant’s Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free. FREE
Jeep Service by Johnny Ringo will run from Harold’s Cave Creek
Corral and the Shooter’s Arena down to the La Casona‘ Luv Shack
Kid’s Zone’ with stops in between. For more information about
Cave Creek Wild West Days, call (480) 437-1110 or visit
www.cavecreekchamber.org
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EVENT
SCHEDULE
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Thursday, November 8th, 2008 “Cowboy Spikes & Spurs” Golf Tournament 12:30 p.m.followed by a Western buffet dinner at the Tonto Bar & Grill. Rancho Manana Golf Club, 5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd., in Cave Creek. Shotgun golfers can dress in their favorite cowboy/girl attire and enjoy the links. This four-person scramble will feature contests for closest to pins, longest drive, longest putt, and best western outfit, “Hole-on-One” chance to win a 2007 Dodge 4x4 Pick-up Truck donated by Desert Rose Florist and Ed Moses Dodge. Contact: Dale Samar (480) 488-0398.
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Friday, November 9th Arts & Crafts Show Frontier Town, The Satisfied Frog &The Beer Garden 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 6245 E. Cave Creek Road Call (480) 488-9129
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Cave Creek Museum Exhibit and Raffle 6140 E. Skyline Drive Museum Hours on Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Throughout Wild West Days, visitors to the Museum will automatically be entered to win two tickets to the Museum’s holiday gala and dinner theater event on Friday, November 30. Come learn about Cowboy Artists of America co-founder Johnny W. Hampton, who lived in Cave Creek in the 1960s. Thanks to the generous donation of the Peagler family, Hampton’s sculptures “Spooked,” “On the Prod,” and “Throwing the Hooley-Ann” are on display. Be sure to also check out the Museum’s newly renovated Archaeology Wing. Entrance fees are $3 for adults, and $2 for seniors and students over age 12. Group tours: $2 per person. Call (480) 488-2764.
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“Missed America” Wild West Days Beauty Pageant Contest begins at 7 p.m. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road $25 Pageant entry fee made payable to the Cave Creek Merchants Chamber of Commerce. Female country band Rondavous will take the stage at 9 p.m. Free admission. Call (480) 488-1906.
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Car Show 6p.m. Big Earl’s Greasy Eats 6135 E Cave Creek Rd Check out the vintage cars and have some eats!
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Saturday, November 10th Poker Ride 8a.m. to 1p.m. Buffalo Chip Saloon Ride starts and endsstops at TC Thorstenson’s. Check in and awards will be done at the Buffalo Chip Saloon, 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd. Ride through Galloway wash, The Town of Cave Creek trails making 6 stops for cards. Enjoy cool refreshments at the Buffalo Chip and enjoy cool refreshment while the best poker hands receive their prize. $10 entry fee, make checks payable to Cave Creek Merchants Chamber (CCMC) Contact: Gary Monaghan, (480) 772-0022 or Michelle Duke, (602) 999-0303.
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Mounted Shooters of America Competition and Wild West Buffalo Show 1 p.m to 3 p.m. Wild West Shooter’s Arena (Cave Creek and Vermeersch Roads). Other activities in or near this area: pan for gold demonstration Trick Riders, gun spinner, buffalo show, Native American Dancers and Cave Creek Wild West Days Poster Artist Lance Headlee will sign posters. Lots of extras for the whole family. Contact: T.C. Thorstenson, (602) 283-3256.
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Luv Shack Kid’s Zone 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Frontier Town 6245 E Cave Creek Road Cool hang-out for kids and the family. This area features bouncer, horse rides, horse painting, petting zoo, face painting, bean bag toss, pictures with horse, rope cow head, kissing horse and cake walk! Contact: Marc Peagler, (480) 488-9129.
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Strolling Minstrels Watch for the strolling minstrels throughout town.
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Arts & Crafts Show Frontier Town, The Satisfied Frog &The Beer Garden 10a.m. to 6p.m. 6245 E. Cave Creek Road Call (480) 488-9129
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Salsa and Cave Creek Hot Sauce Tasting 10a.m. to 4p.m. Suzanne’s Hot Stuff Frontier Town 6245 E. Cave Creek Road Call (480) 488-9129
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Black Mountain Cave Creek Feed Grand Opening All day 6198 E Cave Creek Rd Everyone is welcome! Join the new owner in celebrating the Grand Opening of the store. Lots of fun and prizes. Call (480) 488-9180
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Dutch Oven Cooking with Cowgirls Forever 1 p.m. Big Bronco parking lot 6602 E Cave Creek Rd Come sample real Dutch oven cooked food on a campfire. Call: (480) 575-0826
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Cave Creek Museum History Presentation and Raffle 6140 E. Skyline Drive Museum Hours on Saturday: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Arizona History Presentation: 1:30 p.m. Featured speaker: William L. Christian. Some say the history of Arizona can be summed up by the 3 C's of Cattle, Cotton and Copper. Perhaps more appropriately, the history of Arizona may be reflected in the 7 R's: Rivers, Rifles, Ranches, Railroads, Reservations, Reclamation and Respiration. Come and enjoy a brief historical overview of this magnificent and ecologically diverse state. Throughout Wild West Days, visitors to the Museum will automatically be entered to win two tickets to the Museum’s holiday gala and dinner theater event on Friday, November 30. Entrance fees are $3 for adults, and $2 for seniors and students over age 12. Group tours: $2 per person. Call (480) 488-2764. Contact Marc Peagler (480) 488-9129
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Sunday, November 11th Dutch Oven Breakfast, Cowboy Hoe Down 10 a.m. o 1 p.m. Dutch oven breakfast 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cowboy Hoe Down The Wagon Camp at the Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Road. A heart-warming morning of breakfast cooked Dutch Oven campfire-style by Cowgirls Forever in a Western setting. Stick around for lunch and early dinner as music continues with the Horse Hero Hoe Down of original country, country-western, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, blues, light rock tunes by members of the Arizona SongWriters Association. Call (602) 686-6282.
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Mounted Shooters of America Competition and Wild West Buffalo Show 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wild West Shooter’s Arena (Cave Creek and Vermeersch Roads). Other activities in or near this area: Trick Riders, gun spinner, buffalo show, Native American Dancers and Cave Creek Wild West Days Poster Artist Lance Headlee will sign posters. Lots of extras for the whole family. Contact: T.C. Thorstenson, (602) 283-3256
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Luv Shack Kid’s Zone 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Frontier Town 6245 E Cave Creek Road Cool hang-out for kids and the family. This area features bouncer, horse rides, horse painting, petting zoo, face painting, bean bag toss, pictures with horse, rope the cow head, kissing horse and cake walk! Contact: Marc Peagler, (480) 488-9129.
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Arts & Crafts Show Frontier Town, The Satisfied Frog &The Beer Garden 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 6245 E. Cave Creek Road Call (480) 488-9129
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Salsa and Cave Creek Hot Sauce Tasting 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suzanne’s Hot Stuff Frontier Town 6245 E. Cave Creek Road Call (480) 488-9129
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Cave Creek Museum Exhibit and Raffle 6140 E. Skyline Drive Museum Hours on Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Throughout Wild West Days, visitors to the Museum will automatically be entered to win two tickets to the Museum’s holiday gala and dinner theater event on Friday, November 30. Come learn about Cowboy Artists of America co-founder Johnny W. Hampton, who lived in Cave Creek in the 1960s. Thanks to the generous donation of the Peagler family, Hampton’s sculptures “Spooked,” “On the Prod,” and “Throwing the Hooley-Ann” are on display. Be sure to also check out the Museum’s newly renovated Archaeology Wing. Entrance fees are $3 for adults, and $2 for seniors and students over age 12. Group tours: $2 per person. Call (480) 488-2764.
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Bison Ranch Percheron Hitch 10:00 to 4:00 pm Parking lot at Motor Heads Restaurant 6900 E Cave Creek Rd.
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“Wild West Days Party” Music and dancing at the local hang-outs throughout town!
Pics of last year's event in the Panorama Hills Archives at http://www.azphm.com/archive1006.htm