I have loved learning about all the different little Art and Wine Festivals around [and there are a lot of them!!] the Phoenix area. Over the years I have mainly gone to three of the festivals pretty regularly. The Thunderbird Artists, who host the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival is one of them. As with many good things in life, I happened upon this festival for the first time back in 2018 quite accidentally. I do not remember why I was driving [all by myself, with Steele... top down] through Carefree on this day, but I saw all the cars parked along the road, then I saw a sign for Wine and I knew I had to stop and see what was going on here!!
I have always absolutely loved this little town of Carefree and this Art and Wine Festival only endears it a little bit more. On the corners of Ho Hum and Easy Streets, the festival is so much more than just tents, beautiful art, or even the delicious wine available to taste, it is the atmosphere that makes it so unique. The shops, restaurants, and music that add to the magic of this event. A perfect way to “sip and stroll” around the little but very welcoming Sundial Park, take in all the ambiance, and [my favorite sign of the festival] “Make. Pour. Decisions.” Hahaha
Each year during fall, winter, and spring this event put on by a local family-owned company for more than 20 years!! They show case around 150 juried artists, [an artist whose work has been judged and accepted for display. Juried art shows are competitive events where artists submit their work to be judged against other artists.] displaying anything from metal and glass work, to paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and photography. Each festival gives off slightly different vibes depending on the artists who participate, coming from all over the country.
Upon entering the gates, each guest can purchase a pass that includes a souvenir wine glass, and tickets to exchange for wine tastes at the different wine stations. You get six tickets to start, but more can be purchased if needed!! [Haha!!] You are then free to roam about and sample multiple domestic and international wines. “The one thing that really sets us apart from other events is the fact that people can stroll the entire festival with their wine. It’s not confined to just a wine garden, and people tend to spend more time there,” said Denise Dale Colter, vice president of Thunderbird Artists.
I try to attend at least one of the Art and Wine Festivals in Carefree each year. I love that it’s kind of in a small place, that it’s all weekend long, and that parking is free!! I started out going by myself [or I would drag Shawn, my extremely good-looking husband who humors me so] along for the ride, but I do really enjoy a day to myself, don’t you!? Nothing can compare to the peacefulness of solitude, and to walk around with a glass of wine, while looking at some of the most interesting art I've ever seen!! I never fail to see something that captivates my attention ... I mean just look at the giant corkscrew above!!
I am not sure if my friend Andrea was in town visiting or if she was in Phoenix on a travel assignment. [Andrea, do you remember??] Either way, I took her along with me to one of the Art and Wine Festivals in Carefree and captured this photo of the day!! [pictured below] We were having so much fun, as we always do and when I looked back at her I saw this... I’m pretty sure she wanted to use her hands for something and had nowhere to set her glass. So, Andrea being the critical thinker that she is, came up with a workable solution!! LOL!! “If you can’t find a way… make one!!”
It goes without saying that I have been to the wine event in Carefree many times, and that I will be going to revisit it in many more times in the years to come. It truly never gets old to me. I have seen a lot of beauty here, tasted a lot of wine here, and have found a peaceful sanctuary here!! I guess you could call it one of my happy places!!
Next week we'll be heading North to Kingman, AZ to meet up with our friends Jessica and Daniel, kinda a "halfway" for lunch and a glass of wine!! [wink, wink] If you want to hear the rest of the story, tune in to Wine With Wixy next Wednesday!!
Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!
Comments