ARTIST TREVOR SWANSON FINE ART PAINTING ON PATINA METAL
THIRD THURSDAY ART NIGHT
BOLD PAINTED ACCENT WALLS
A single stroke of urban bronze transforms this interior into a study in modern elegance. The accent wall, rich and refined, sets the stage for a curated composition: a sculptural petrified wood table, a leather-laced chair with artisanal detailing, and a contemporary rug that anchors the room with quiet sophistication. Elevated by striking artwork from Rene Palomino, the space captures a dialogue between organic texture and contemporary polish — a timeless balance of warmth and bold design.
f u l l s e r v i c e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n & f u r n i s h i n g s
w w w . o m d e s i g n g r o u p . c o m - 4 8 0 . 9 1 5 . 0 1 2 9
S ANDERSON LINCOLN
S ANDERSON LINCOLN
PUBLISHER
Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR
Joseph J. Airdo
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joseph J. Airdo
Francine Coles
Shannon Severson
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Francine Coles
Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES
Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com
From the Publisher
As the scorching summer heat begins to wane, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. October in Arizona brings not only cooler temperatures but also a collective sigh of relief as we emerge from our air-conditioned cocoons to embrace the vibrant autumn season.
For those seeking the perfect autumn escape, “Harvest Havens” guides you to Arizona’s premier fall farm destinations, from the Verde Valley’s Mortimer Farms to high country orchards where warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for both agriculture and artistry. These authentic experiences offer sophisticated agritourism that rivals any vineyard tour.
Our cover story, “Haunted Horizons,” showcases Dave Wilson’s mesmerizing images of Arizona’s landscapes transformed by fog, moonlight and atmospheric conditions that reveal the mysterious side of our familiar terrain. His work captures the ethereal beauty that exists just beyond the visible, reminding us that even our well-known desert holds secrets worth discovering.
“Echoes of Arizona” delves deeper into the supernatural, exploring the state’s most compelling ghost stories — from the Wailing Woman at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim to the Red Ghost that terrorized territorial Arizona. These aren’t mere campfire tales but documented legends rooted in real human tragedy and frontier history, including our own local guardian spirit at Frontier Town, where Pee Wee Simmons continues her eternal watch over the land she loved.
Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416
Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221
shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com
As you explore these pages, I hope you’ll be inspired to look deeper into the stories that surround us. Whether you’re picking pumpkins under vast blue skies, uncovering the haunted legends that echo through our canyons and desert towns or simply appreciating the mysterious beauty of our desert home, remember that every landscape holds secrets worth discovering.
Happy fall!
Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona
Photography by Loralei Lazurek
Harvest Havens
The Valley’s Premier Pumpkin Patch Pilgrimage
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
The first whisper of autumn in Arizona doesn’t arrive with falling leaves — it beckons from the high country, where mountain air carries the scent of ripening apples and sprawling pumpkin patches paint the landscape in brilliant orange.
While Phoenix bakes in its final summer surge, destinations like Dewey, Flagstaff and the Verde Valley transform into harvest havens, offering sophisticated agritourism experiences that rival any vineyard tour or culinary expedition. This curated collection of Arizona’s finest fall farm destinations promises more than simple pumpkin picking — these are immersive cultural experiences that reconnect urbanites with the land while creating lasting seasonal memories.
APPLE ANNIE’S ORCHARD // WILLCOX
In the elevated Sulphur Springs Valley, Apple Annie’s Orchard represents four generations of agricultural artistry. The Holcomb family’s multi-location operation showcases the perfect marriage of elevation and expertise, where warm days and cool nights nurture everything from apples to award-winning pies. This authentic working farm spans multiple sites — fruit orchards at Hardy Road, produce fields at Williams Road and a year-round country store — each specializing in different aspects of the complete farm-to-table experience.
Through Oct. 31, the orchard’s Fall Pumpkin Celebration transforms the Williams Road location into Arizona’s most impressive agricultural adventure. A 12.5-acre corn maze features more than 600,000 stalks with two difficulty levels, while sprawling sunflower fields provide Instagram-worthy backdrops for harvest memories. Visitors can pick pumpkins directly from the vine, navigate the colossal maze, and indulge in signature apple cider doughnuts and farmto-table apple pies crafted from the orchard’s own harvest — representing authentic agricultural tradition.
appleannies.com
Photo by Ashley Grace Photography
MORTIMER FARMS // DEWEY
The Verde Valley’s crown jewel spans 324 acres of authentic working farmland, where the mission of “connecting your family to your food” manifests through more than 54 carefully cultivated crops, from pumpkins and tomatoes to sunflowers and sweet corn. This family operation combines sustainable agricultural practices with educational programming that teaches visitors about land stewardship, while the high-country elevation provides a welcome 15–20 degrees cooler respite from Phoenix’s lingering heat.
Through Oct. 31, the beloved Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze transforms the landscape into an agricultural celebration anchored by this year’s “Proud to Be Farmers”-themed corn maze, honoring those who feed our nation. Entertainment programming includes pig races, agricultural game shows, comedy juggling, tractor parades, fire dancers and Friday night barn dances — each crafted to bring joy while celebrating farming heritage. The farm’s signature farmto-table dinners, selling out monthly, offer farm-curated seasonal menus served under the stars where ingredients are grown, representing the ultimate fusion of local agriculture and culinary artistry.
mortimerfarmsaz.com
WILLIS FARM // SNOWFLAKE
Since 1926, five generations of the Willis family have cultivated this White Mountain working farm, where traditional agriculture meets innovative entertainment. The authentic operation grows everything from field corn and hay to an assortment of pumpkins, gourds and squash, maintaining the agricultural heritage that has sustained the Snowflake community for nearly a century. The family’s commitment to hands-on farming creates an atmosphere where visitors experience genuine rural life rather than manufactured entertainment.
Photoby
Through Oct. 31, the farm offers multiple corn mazes uniquely designed each year featuring sponsor logos — this year showcasing the Soar Clinic design. Laser tag is uniquely incorporated into the corn maze experience alongside tractor train rides and a dedicated kids zone. Traditional games like witch’s cauldron toss and toilet paper toss maintain old-fashioned charm, while every Saturday evening transforms the maze into a spooky haunted adventure. A new farm/maze color run represents the family’s commitment to evolving with innovative customer engagement while honoring nearly a century of agricultural tradition.
thewillisfarm-ranch.com
VIOLA’S FLOWER GARDEN // FLAGSTAFF
While not a traditional produce farm, Viola’s Flower Garden represents the specialized art of floriculture, where the family-run operation cultivates beauty rather than sustenance. Nestled at Flagstaff’s southern edge, this established garden center specializes in nursery stock, landscaping services and botanical education, transforming the retail space into carefully curated garden vignettes that serve as both commercial displays and natural art installations.
Throughout October, Viola’s Pumpkin Patch transforms the garden center into an intimate autumn retreat featuring more than 25 pumpkin varieties displayed among botanical backdrops. A straw-bale maze and pumpkin-painting stations cater to younger visitors, while on-site Hatch green chile roasting adds authentic Southwestern flavor.
The Sonoran Desert provides an unexpected backdrop for this authentic Western ranch, where family ownership has created a premier destination for horseback trail rides through pristine desert landscape. MacDonald’s Ranch specializes in guided trail experiences that showcase native flora and dramatic sunset vistas while maintaining a petting zoo and offering stagecoach rides that transport visitors through Arizona’s frontier heritage.
Open daily except Tuesdays throughout October, the ranch’s Pumpkin Patch Festival combines traditional autumn activities with authentic Western experiences. Gold panning, lasso lessons and hayrides create an immersive cowboy atmosphere, while the popular Blazin’ BBQ serves elevated ranch fare alongside classic festival treats.
Photoby MacDonald's Ranch
Photoby NathaniaReed
PhotobyWillisFarm
SCHNEPF FARMS // QUEEN CREEK
Arizona’s largest fall festival destination spans 300 acres of working farmland, where fourth-generation farmers have perfected the integration of authentic agriculture with sophisticated entertainment. The Schnepf family operation maintains year-round U-pick gardens, a renowned bakery serving farm-fresh breakfast and lunch, and elegant wedding venues that showcase the beauty of agricultural landscapes.
The farm’s Pumpkin & Chili Party, running Thursdays through Sundays Oct. 2–31, transforms the working farm into Arizona’s most ambitious harvest celebration. The celebrity corn maze, annually cut into the likeness of musical stars or public figures, anchors a festival featuring vintage carousel rides, professional stunt dog shows and Hillbilly Bob’s Pig Races. Evening fireworks and live music elevate the experience beyond typical farm entertainment.
schnepffarms.com // pumpkinandchiliparty.com
MOTHER NATURE’S FARM // GILBERT
The Kelsall family’s 47-acre operation in the heart of Gilbert preserves rural traditions within suburban convenience, representing nearly six decades of agricultural evolution. Originally established in 1968 for Christmas tree cultivation, the working farm has transformed into comprehensive agritourism while maintaining its core mission of connecting urban families with agricultural heritage. The farm’s commitment to animal rescue adds emotional depth to the experience, housing farm animals and rescued creatures that teach visitors about compassion and stewardship.
Open daily through Nov. 2, Brooke’s Pumpkin Patch includes a complimentary small pumpkin for every guest alongside access to hayrides, straw bale mazes and animal encounters with both farm animals and rescued creatures. The gentle atmosphere caters specifically to young families, with activities designed for safe toddler exploration.
mothernaturesfarm.com
Photoby
VERTUCCIO FARMS // MESA
The Vertuccio family’s Italian heritage infuses this East Valley working farm with Old World charm and New World innovation, where second-generation farmers Cono and Angela Vertuccio continue their parents’ agricultural legacy. Since 1979, the family operation has grown from a roadside produce stand into a comprehensive agritourism destination, maintaining year-round you-pick opportunities for peaches and seasonal vegetables while hosting educational programs and private events that celebrate sustainable farming practices.
Celebrating its 27th year, the farm’s Fall Festival runs Oct. 3–Nov. 2 with the Valley’s longest-running 5-acre corn maze offering both day and nighttime adventures. New this year is an extensive ropes course challenging visitors of all ages, joining returning favorites like the mega slide, jump pads, making music chimes and roller bowler games. The farm’s unique pet-friendly policy welcomes leashed dogs, making it distinctly inclusive among major fall destinations.
vertucciofarms.com
TOLMACHOFF FARMS // GLENDALE
Fourth-generation farmers Bill and Gracie Tolmachoff have transformed their century-old agricultural legacy into the West Valley’s premier agritourism destination, maintaining working crop fields alongside festival infrastructure. Originally growing cotton, wheat and corn, the farm has evolved to focus on fresh produce and seasonal entertainment while preserving its role as one of Glendale’s last great open-space farms.
The farm’s Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze operates throughout October with both a 6-acre family maze and a haunted AZ Field of Screams experience on Friday and Saturday evenings. The interactive family maze features map-collecting challenges, while unique attractions like the tomato cannon and a pedal cart track that accommodates 2–3 individual carts simultaneously distinguish the experience.
tolmachoff-farms.com
ROCKER 7 FARM PATCH // BUCKEYE
This family-owned Buckeye destination specializes in field crops that create photogenic agricultural landscapes rather than traditional produce farming. The operation cultivates 4 acres of sunflowers, historic cotton fields and Sudan grass specifically for scenic beauty and educational purposes, honoring Arizona’s agricultural heritage while providing contemporary families with authentic rural experiences.
Operating weekends throughout October, the farm’s Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival combines traditional activities like pumpkin selection with unique agricultural tourism focused on the farm’s signature sunflower and cotton fields. A tractor tire playground, jumping pillow and pedal carts provide active entertainment, while scenic crop fields offer unparalleled backdrops.
PhotobyGT
Photoby Vertuccio Farms
Photoby Ashley Grace Photography
REDESIGN YOUR STORY WITH SARAH GRAHAM
OCTOBER 23–25
Cocktail Party Thursday 4–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Appointments Recommended.
Transform treasured jewelry into pieces that reflect who you are today. Award-winning designer Sarah Graham brings her acclaimed metalsmithing expertise to reimagine your collection using her signature fusion of 18-karat gold and innovative materials. Join us Thursday evening for a cocktail party to meet Sarah and discuss your redesign possibilities.
JENNYFER STRATMAN SCULPTING CONNECTIONS
OCTOBER 16
Wine and hors d’oeuvre Thursday from 4–7 p.m.
Discover the powerful bronze and steel sculptures of internationally acclaimed artist Jennyfer Stratman. Her distinctive works bridge industrial strength with organic beauty, transforming metal into poetry. Experience these sculptural masterpieces that have captured collectors worldwide.
GOLDEN GEOMETRIES THE ARTISTRY OF ALEX ŠEPKUS
NOVEMBER 11–12
Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enter the extraordinary world of Alex Šepkus, where microscopic artistry meets unparalleled vision. Each 18-karat gold masterpiece showcases intricate geometric patterns and textures that transform jewelry into wearable sculpture. Experience these collectible treasures that have captivated museums and connoisseurs worldwide.
NOVEMBER 14–15
Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. // Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate Italian excellence with an exclusive showcase featuring FOPE’s revolutionary Flex’it technology, Demeglio’s innovative engineering, Mattia Cielo’s futuristic designs and Roberto Coin’s signature artistry. Join us Friday evening for cocktails as we toast the finest expressions of Italian goldsmithing, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary innovation.
Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AARON HENRY’S GOLDEN LEGACY
NOVEMBER 21–22
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Discover the warm luxury of Aaron Henry’s 18- to 19-karat gold creations, where each piece undergoes a meticulous 10-step process to achieve unmatched brilliance. These modern heirlooms blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication, designed to be treasured for generations.
Community
THROUGH OCT. 5
CAREFREE FALL
RESTAURANT WEEK
The Carefree Restaurant Association presents its fall showcase featuring participating independent, family-owned restaurants offering special lunch or multi-course dinner menus at discounted prices. Unlike corporate chains, each restaurant determines its own culinary concept and brand based on individual expertise. $33+. See website for participating restaurants and menus. carefreerestaurants.com
THROUGH OCT. 26
ARIZONA STATE FAIR
The Arizona State Fair celebrates 141 years as a gathering place for Arizona’s diverse residents to honor the past, celebrate the present, and explore the future. Open Thursdays through Sundays, the fair features thrilling rides, along with classic and innovative fair foods. $17.50. See website for hours. Arizona State Fair, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771; azstatefair.com
OCT.
11–12
SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
More than 100 juried artists from across the country showcase fine art including glass, painting, metal and woodworking at Sedona’s oldest and largest premier arts event. The 34th annual festival features live music, food trucks and libations from DA Ranch Estate Vineyards, plus Gourmet Row with locally produced kitchen, bath and home items. $15; children 12 and under free. Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. 928-204-9456; sedonaartsfestival.org
OCT. 4–26
MARANA PUMPKIN
PATCH & FARM FESTIVAL
Post Farms transforms more than 50 acres into a festive agri-entertainment destination. Enjoy one of Arizona’s largest corn mazes, quarter-scale diesel train rides, jumping pillows, a petting zoo, farm playland and pig races. See website for prices and times. Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road, Marana. maranapumpkinpatch.com
THROUGH JAN. 25
COMIC CONSERVATION
Phoenix Zoo’s Wild Side Gallery presents an exhibition that blends comic art with wildlife conservation, featuring original works by creators including Jay Fotos, Mark Kidwell, Meredith McClaren, Ryan Huna Smith, Jeff Pina and Hanna Strauss. A signed Todd McFarlane print will also be on display. Included with general admission. Thursday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Special launch event Oct. 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with activities, character and artist meet-and-greets, and a surprise guest. Phoenix Zoo, Wild Side Gallery, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602914-4363; phoenixzoo.org
OCT. 4
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
DESERT HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
invites the community to a pet blessing celebrating the joy, comfort and unconditional love animals bring to our lives. Free. 9 a.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. deserthills.org
OCT.
4
CAREFREE UNDER THE STARS
The town of Carefree, in partnership with Focus Astronomy Outreach, invites the community to an evening of stargazing featuring a constellation tour and hands-on telescope experiences. Free. 8–10 p.m. Our Lady of Joy, 36811 N. Pima Road, Carefree. 480-488-3686; visitcarefree.com/stars
OCT. 4
PURSE IMPRESSIONS 5TH ANNIVERSARY
Purse Impressions celebrates five years of impact with a festive anniversary event featuring live entertainment,
refreshments and raffles. Bring a new or gently used purse or jewelry donation for a free raffle ticket. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Purse Impressions, 7171 E. Cave Creek Road, Carefree. 602-814-6679; purse-impressions.com
OCT. 10–12 ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY ARTISTS VILLAGE
The Arizona Wine Country Artists Village returns to Old Town Cottonwood for a family- and pet-friendly outdoor art and fine-craft fair. Enjoy a juried showcase of top regional artists, a free scavenger hunt and raffle with prizes (including a $500 grand prize), and a kids’ craft station. Free. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Old Town Activity Park, 187 E. Pima St., Cottonwood. artists-village.com
OCT. 11–FEB. 22
CASEY CURRAN: TIDAL SKY
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art presents an immersive installation inspired by Théodore Géricault’s 1818 painting “The Raft of the Medusa,” exploring themes of survival, historical cycles and hope. The exhibition occupies two galleries, featuring kinetic sculptures with hand cranks that invite visitor interaction and wearable sculptures created in collaboration with couture designer Iris van Herpen. $13+; discounts available for youth, students, seniors and veterans. SMoCA, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-874-4666; smoca.org
OCT. 11–MAY 10
FRAMERATE: DESERT PULSE
Desert Botanical Garden debuts a multisensory exhibition by ScanLAB Projects featuring five monumental video installations that translate thousands of images into an immersive portrait of the Sonoran Desert. Included with membership or general admission. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225; dbg.org
OCT. 14
WILD WINGS
The Holland Community Center’s Foothills Speaker Series welcomes Wild at Heart co-founder Bob Fox. Learn about raptor rescue and rehabilitation, conservation efforts for owls and hawks, and meet ambassador animals. Free; donations appreciated. Registration required. 6–8 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org
Community
OCT. 15–18
BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE FALL AUCTION
The “world’s greatest collector car auction” returns to WestWorld for a four-day fall showcase featuring hundreds of collectible vehicles crossing the block at no reserve, automobilia auctions, exhibitors, ride-and-drives and familyfriendly activities. See website for prices and schedule. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480421-6694; barrett-jackson.com
OCT. 16
CAREFREE ART NIGHT
Local and regional artists showcase their work at participating galleries during this monthly celebration. Enjoy live music, refreshments, artist talks and demonstrations. Free. 4–7 p.m. See website for participating galleries and event map. visitcarefree.com/artnight
OCT. 16
SCULPTING CONNECTIONS
Grace Renee Gallery spotlights the bronze and steel sculptures of
OCT. 11
EMPTY BOWLS MARKET
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Now in its 26th year, this fundraiser transforms the new Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center campus into a vibrant marketplace where guests can purchase handcrafted, food-safe ceramic bowls created by artists from the Sonoran Arts League, Arizona Woodturners Association and community members. Inspired by the international Empty Bowls movement, each bowl serves as a reminder of hunger in our community and the hope that comes when neighbors unite. The afternoon features live music, craft beer, food trucks, silent auction and raffles. All proceeds support vital hunger relief programs serving thousands of North Valley neighbors. Free admission. 1:30–4:30 p.m. Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, 4250 E. Carefree Highway, Cave Creek. 480-488-1145; foothillsfoodbank.com
internationally acclaimed artist Jennyfer Stratman. Stratman's distinctive works bridge industrial strength with organic beauty, evolving from her background as a ceramicist into powerful metal sculptures now held in collections worldwide. View her latest sculptural works in an intimate gallery setting. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
OCT. 21
AMERICAN MEDICINE
The Holland Community Center presents a lecture, led by Jim Sherbert, exploring the evolution of medicine, from early origins to the present-day structure and future influences such as artificial intelligence. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP requested. 4 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org
OCT. 22–24
SPOOKY SAFARI
Phoenix Zoo invites families for three nights of not-too-spooky fun featuring trick-or-treat stations, face painting,
hourly costume parades and bewitching crafts. Admission includes zoo entry plus games and entertainment; food and beverages available for purchase. $18; children 2 and under free. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800; phoenixzoo.org
OCT. 24
CCUSD TRUNK OR TREAT
Cave Creek Unified School District hosts its inaugural Trunk or Treat, inviting local businesses and community members to decorate their vehicle trunks and hand out candy or goodies to children. The event includes a contest for the most creative trunks. Free. 6–8 p.m. Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, Cave Creek. 480-5752016; ccusd93.org
OCT. 24–25
REDESIGN YOUR STORY: A JEWELRY TRANSFORMATION EVENT
Award-winning jewelry designer Sarah Graham brings her acclaimed metalsmithing expertise to Grace Renee Gallery for an exclusive redesign event.
Transform your existing jewelry into pieces that reflect who you are today — Graham will reimagine your treasured but outdated pieces using her signature fusion of 18-karat gold and innovative materials. Discover how her organicinspired designs can breathe new life into your collection while preserving sentimental value. By appointment. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com
OCT. 24–25 STRANGE GARDEN
Desert Botanical Garden invites families to explore the “boo-tanical” side of the Sonoran Desert with live music, immersive experiences and curious creatures along the trails. Kids receive a free pumpkin while supplies last, and themed activities include the Monster Bash Dance Party, Mad Botanists’ Propagation Laboratory, Buggy Entomologists and a pumpkin patch. Included with membership or general admission. 5:30–9 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225; dbg.org
OCT. 25
HARRY POTTER HALLOWEEN
Don your finest wizarding attire for the annual Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea featuring appearances from Hagrid, trivia challenges, costume prizes and a magical gift bag. Costumes highly encouraged — witches and wizards especially welcome, muggles tolerated. $75; reservations required. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Suite 103, Carefree. 480-488-4812; carefreetea.com
Community
OCT. 26
AN AFTERNOON WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE
Arizona Curriculum Theatre presents acclaimed Shakespearean actor Jim Coates performing “The Raven” at this special literary event supporting arts in education. Fifty percent of proceeds benefit Arizona Curriculum Theatre, which brings literature and theater programs to school children. $60; reservations required. 3–5 p.m. English Rose Tea Room, 201 Easy St., Suite 103, Carefree. 480-488-4812; carefreetea.com
OCT. 26
SUNDAY SUNDIAL DRUM CIRCLE
Jubilate Conservatory of Music welcomes all ages for monthly drumming, with an optional parade around the sundial when children are present. Drums provided for those without their own. Free. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org
OCT. 27
RACHAEL & VILRAY
Arizona Musicfest presents the jazz duo featuring Rachael Price (vocalist for Lake
UPSCALE SINGERS NAMES NEW DIRECTOR
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Catherine Wendt has been named director of the Upscale Singers, succeeding founding director Margaret Miner, who will remain with the group to handle concert logistics after more than 20 years at the helm. Wendt, whose background includes directing Chicago’s Elmhurst Men’s Chorus and serving as assistant director of music at North Ridge Community Church in Cave Creek, steps into the role with a focus on continuing the ensemble’s tradition of joyful, community-centered performance. upscalesingers.com
Street Dive) and Vilray Bolles (Brooklynbased guitarist, singer and songwriter), who conjure 1930s and ‘40s swing with timeless songs of passion and whimsy delivered with modern wit. $43+. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. arizonamusicfest.org
NOV. 1
AMERICAN LEGION
AUXILIARY CRAFT FAIR & BAKE SALE
American Legion Auxiliary Post 34 hosts its 8th annual community event featuring handmade goods — from wooden creations and holiday items to jewelry, natural soaps, purses, candles and Arizona honey — plus a bake sale by Auxiliary members, raffle table, silent auction and lunch available on the patio. Proceeds support veterans in need. Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2669; azpost34.com
NOV. 1
BLACK & WHITE BALL
Desert Foothills Library reimagines Truman Capote’s iconic soiree with an elegant evening of cocktails, hors
d’oeuvres, live music, dancing, a seated gourmet dinner, magical entertainment and live auction. $250+. 5–9 p.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek. 480-4882286; dfla.org
NOV. 1
JUBILATE CONSERVATORY FALL RECITAL
Jubilate Conservatory of Music presents a special recital featuring all fall semester ensembles and classes, from the Littles on Fiddles to the Desert Strings advanced level ensemble. Free. 10–11:30 a.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org
NOV. 1
PRICKLY PEAR FESTIVAL
The Holland Community Center’s Desert Awareness Committee hosts its annual event celebrating the bounty of the Sonoran Desert. Learn about harvesting, juicing and flour processing of prickly pear fruit, and enjoy samples of smoothies, salsa, bread and more. Free. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org
H E L L O , C A V E C R E E K H E L L O , C A V E C R E E K L e t ’ s R o d e o ! Let’s
JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST YEAR IN CAVE CREEK AT THE TURQUOISE CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO! TICKETS ON SALE
@ CAVE CREEK MEMORIAL ARENA O C T 3 1 & N O V 1 O C T 3 1 & N O V 1
At the height of the Great Depression in 1935, Johnny Walker began construction on the original A-frame structure of the Cave Creek Corral. Little did he know that his modest bar would expand over nine decades into a 12,000-square-foot restaurant and iconic country-western institution, attracting thousands to what former Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia called “the center of the universe” for the desert community.
Times were harsh then. Many of the bar’s early patrons lived in temporary construction camps, enduring long days in the unforgiving desert while building the Bartlett and Horseshoe dams on the Verde River. After grueling shifts, they’d seek refuge at The Cave Creek Corral, nursing A-1 beers or hard liquor at the 1880s mahogany bar Walker had purchased from Tombstone’s legendary Crystal Palace Saloon. On milder evenings, they’d gather at picnic tables shaded by ancient mesquite trees.
The dam construction brought an economic boom to Cave Creek for nearly eight years. Six more bars opened in the rural area, but by 1947, when the dams were complete and the workers departed, only the Corral survived.
Around 1950, Harold and Ruth Gavagan purchased the building and named it Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. Though Harold passed away years ago, his legacy endures through wild tales, local lore and countless photographs adorning the walls — visual proof that some of those “crazy stories” are absolutely true.
THE PIACQUADIO ERA AND A PITTSBURGH INVASION
In 1987, Daniel Piacquadio Sr. purchased the restaurant after relocating from Pittsburgh. He orchestrated a comprehensive remodel to bring everything up to code, adding the kitchen and expanded dining area. Many of his original recipes remain on the menu today, and he established the foundation for success when his son Danny joined the operation in 1991.
Danny vividly remembers his father’s grandopening party in 1988, which coincided with the Cave Creek Rodeo weekend.
“I’d moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University,” Danny recalls. “I remember people on horseback riding right up to the bar. Cave Creek had just incorporated in 1986, so it still retained much of its authentic Old West character.”
When Daniel Sr. returned to Pittsburgh, Danny assumed management duties. As a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he began hosting viewing parties in 1993 with about 75 fans per game. Two years later, he formally launched Harold’s Steelers Fan Club with 80 charter members. Today, the club boasts more than 3,000 members.
Now fondly known as “Heinz Field West,” Harold’s transforms into a sea of black and gold on NFL Sundays. The restaurant serves traditional Pittsburgh delicacies while a DJ spins more than 40 Steelers anthems. The special menu features Primanti Brothers sandwiches, “Ben Roethlis(burger)s,” Iron City beer,
Writer Susan Kern-Fleischer // Photography
pierogies and other Yinzer favorites. Harold’s walls showcase photographs from two massive celebrations when tiny Cave Creek hosted more than 4,000 Steelers faithful during the team’s 2006 and 2009 Super Bowl runs.
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
By 2003, Carefree residents Bill and Marie Vale joined as co-owners, working alongside Danny to elevate Harold’s profile throughout Phoenix’s burgeoning North Valley.
Affectionately dubbed Harold’s “mayor,” Bill loved to give newcomers tours of the restaurant while sharing colorful anecdotes. He’d point to photographs of actor Dick Van Dyke, a local resident who occasionally stopped by to play drums with the house band. Bill’s tours invariably produced belly laughs and wide-eyed amazement, particularly when guests spotted images of lions and tigers Harold once kept behind the restaurant as a marketing ploy to lure Phoenix residents north.
Harold’s became renowned as a gathering place. The diverse clientele spans generations, with some families counting three generations of regular patrons.
“Harold’s has always maintained this warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Danny explains.
“People often joke that you’ll find a horse, a Harley and a Hummer all parked side by side here. Our eclectic mix includes cowboys, country and rock music fans, hippies and artists
Corral-ing the Past
Harold’s Celebrates Nine Decades of Legends and Lore
Courtesy of Harold’s Cave Creek Corral
alongside CEOs, stockbrokers, teachers and everyone in between.”
Many patrons have discovered romance within Harold’s walls, including Danny himself. He met his wife, Meri, when she visited from Pittsburgh with friends. Though Danny was working in the kitchen, a co-worker convinced him to abandon his cooking duties to meet the group. They married in October 2004.
GIVING BACK TO THE DESERT COMMUNITY
Throughout its 37-year tenure under the Piacquadio family, Harold’s has expanded dramatically. When Daniel Sr. purchased the establishment in 1987, it employed 25 people. During peak season, Harold’s now employs more than 100 team members.
People often joke that you’ll find a horse, a Harley and a Hummer all parked side by side here. Danny Piacquadio
“One reason Harold’s has thrived is our dedicated, hardworking staff,” Danny emphasizes. “Many are longtime employees who’ve been with us for decades. They share our commitment to preserving Harold’s legacy — we couldn’t have reached 90 years without them.”
Margaret Carver exemplifies this loyalty, having been part of Harold’s team for more than 35 years. Her daughter, who once caught the school bus at Harold’s as a child, has now followed in her mother’s footsteps and worked at the restaurant for more than 20 years.
Harold’s has become the venue of choice for numerous nonprofits and civic organizations hosting monthly meetings or fundraising events. The restaurant regularly supports community causes through in-kind donations and special fundraisers benefiting the Foothills
The Piacquadio family — Daniel, Meri, Danny and Sofia — represents nearly four decades of Harold's stewardship, from Pittsburgh transplant to Cave Creek institution.
Hollywood comes to Harold's: Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke takes the stage at Harold's Cave Creek Corral, adding star power to the venue's rich entertainment legacy.
Food Bank, Kiwanis Club of Carefree, Desert Foothills Library, Foothills Caring Corp., the Holland Center and other organizations supporting families, children, veterans and animals.
The COVID-19 pandemic particularly tested local resilience, and despite operational challenges, Harold’s stepped up dramatically. Like restaurants nationwide, Harold’s initially closed its dining room, offering only curbside and takeout service. But the establishment went further, partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Carefree to fund an innovative community support program.
With a goal of feeding more than 2,300 people, Harold’s designed a unique commitment: For every family-style meal ordered (feeding four to five people),
the restaurant donated an identical meal to families in need through the Cave Creek Unified School District’s assistance program. Additionally, Harold’s provided individual meals to the Foothills Food Bank.
Both Harold’s and the Kiwanis Club provided initial funding for the program, which ultimately served more than 5,000 meals. Harold’s prepared all meals while CCUSD and the Foothills Food Bank handled pickup and distribution.
“When coronavirus arrived in Arizona, restaurants had no playbook,” Danny recalls. “Thankfully, we were positioned to help our community during an incredibly difficult time.”
Harold's new co-owners Jim "Z" and Kris Ziebart join longtime co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio to carry forward nine decades of Cave Creek tradition.
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NEW OWNERSHIP, EXPANDED VISION
In March 2025, Harold’s welcomed new coowners Jim “Z” Ziebart and Kris Ziebart of Carefree. Bill and Marie Vale passed the torch to the Wisconsin natives, who joined co-owners Danny Piacquadio and Meri Piacquadio in continuing Harold’s success while honoring its nine-decade legacy.
The Ziebarts share the same family values and community commitment as the Piacquadios. They spend summers in Wisconsin, and the fact that Harold’s transforms into “Heinz Field West” on NFL Sundays doesn’t faze them.
From dam workers to Steelers Nation, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral has been the beating heart of the desert community for 90 remarkable years.
“I may have my own barstool with a hidden Packers sticker underneath,” Jim jokes. “And Kris insists she looks better in black and gold, so we’ve acquired some Steelers gear.”
Jim’s passion for live music particularly excited him about joining Harold’s. Over the years, the venue has expanded its outdoor facilities to accommodate large-scale productions featuring national acts including Craig Morgan, Rodney Atkins and Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers.
Jim and Danny recently partnered with Moonlit Nites, a production company specializing in boutique Western festivals and country concerts. Through this collaboration, Harold’s will launch its 90th anniversary celebration with two major outdoor productions: Rodney
Black and gold takeover: Danny Piacquadio celebrates with the Steelers faithful who transform Harold's into "Heinz Field West" every NFL Sunday, proving that Pittsburgh pride runs deep in the Arizona desert.
Country star spotlight: Grammy-nominated artist Rodney Atkins headlines Harold's 90th anniversary celebration, bringing Nashville's finest to Cave Creek's most iconic venue.
Atkins on Oct. 3 and Brian Kelley on Oct. 4. Sponsored by Sanderson Ford, both concerts begin at 7 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $37 for general admission to $99 and up for VIP packages.
Harold’s is also constructing a large pavilion to host weddings, concerts, and special events.
HONORING THE PAST, EMBRACING THE FUTURE
The world surrounding Cave Creek’s original Wild West saloon and restaurant has transformed dramatically since Johnny Walker envisioned a bar in the middle of a rustic desert town. Yet Harold’s core mission remains unchanged: delivering exceptional food and drinks, live music, dancing, friendship and unwavering community support.
As Harold’s Cave Creek Corral celebrates its remarkable 90-year journey, this iconic country-western institution looks toward the future with the same pioneering spirit Walker embodied when he began construction on what has become one of Arizona’s most beloved destinations for locals and visitors alike.
The swinging doors that have welcomed nine decades of patrons continue to open wide, inviting new generations to become part of Harold’s ever-expanding family of legends and lore.
haroldscorral.com
In Arizona, the line between history and legend blurs like heat waves rising from desert pavement. The state’s most enduring ghost stories aren’t mere campfire tales spun from imagination — they’re the lingering echoes of real people, documented events and tragedies that carved themselves so deeply into the landscape that they refuse to fade.
These spectral narratives serve as more than entertainment; they’re a unique form of living history, preserving the human drama of Arizona’s frontier past while connecting us to the profound emotions that shaped our state. From the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the vast stretches of territorial highways, these stories remind us that some experiences transcend the boundaries of life and death.
THE WAILING WOMAN
The most haunting cry in Arizona doesn’t come from a coyote or mountain lion — it emanates from the depths of human grief made eternal. Along the Transept Trail at Grand Canyon’s North Rim, hikers report hearing the distinct, plaintive wails of a woman forever searching for what she can never find.
The legend centers on a tragic family vacation in the 1920s, when the Grand Canyon Lodge had just opened its doors to welcome visitors to one of nature’s most spectacular vistas. A mother arrived with her husband and young son, seeking the kind of restorative experience that only the canyon’s majesty could provide. Instead, they found catastrophe.
During what should have been a routine hike along the Transept Trail, a sudden desert storm swept across the rim. The father and son, caught in the tempest’s
fury, lost their footing on the treacherous cliff edges and plummeted into the canyon’s depths. The mother, discovering their fate, was consumed by grief so profound that it drove her to madness.
Unable to accept their deaths, she wandered the trail for days, calling out for her lost family. When searchers finally found her, she had taken her own life, choosing to join them rather than live with the unbearable loss. Some accounts suggest she hanged herself within the lodge itself, sealing her connection to both the building and the trail where her world collapsed.
Since then, witnesses have described encountering a translucent figure in a white dress adorned with blue flowers, often wearing a blue scarf that seems to flutter in winds that touch nothing else. Her apparition appears most frequently during or after storms, as if the weather that claimed her family continues to summon her restless spirit.
The Grand Canyon Lodge itself became part of the legend when it burned to the ground in 1932. Witnesses swore they saw the woman’s face appear in the flames, cementing her eternal bond with the structure. When fire again consumed the beloved lodge this summer, destroying not only the historic building but also dozens of surrounding cabins and structures, locals couldn’t help but wonder if the Wailing Woman’s grief had awakened with renewed intensity.
The tragedy of this summer’s fire — caused by lightning and fed by extreme winds — mirrors the suddenness of the original family’s fate. Park forums and social media are abuzz with speculation that the woman’s spirit had grown more restless, unwilling to let another generation of the lodge’s history slip
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Whether you encounter them as cautionary tales, historical curiosities or genuine supernatural phenomena, Arizona’s ghost stories offer a unique window into the state’s soul.
away. The emotional devastation felt by rangers, visitors and local communities who lost what many considered a sacred space only deepened the connection to a story rooted in inconsolable loss.
Hikers continue to report an unmistakable sense of presence along the Transept Trail, particularly in the quiet stretches where forest opens to reveal the canyon’s immensity. Whether the cries they hear belong to the wind, wildlife or something more supernatural, the story endures as a reminder of how swiftly joy can transform into sorrow in the unforgiving beauty of the American West.
Echoes of Arizona Where History Haunts the Desert
by
THE RED GHOST
If the Wailing Woman represents the deepest human emotions made manifest, the Red Ghost embodies the sheer strangeness of Arizona’s territorial period — a time when the improbable became everyday reality and the desert hosted creatures that seemed conjured from fever dreams.
Beginning in spring 1883, near Eagle Creek in eastern Arizona, reports emerged of a massive, reddish beast terrorizing ranchers and prospectors. The first recorded incident was the shocking trampling death of a rancher’s wife, her body discovered surrounded by enormous hoofprints and clumps of coarse, red hair. The only witness later described seeing a huge, red creature “ridden by a devilish figure” as she watched in terror from a window. Her testimony — along with the physical evidence — spawned a wave of sightings and speculation, with subsequent reports claiming the beast carried a human skeleton lashed to its back — a rider from hell itself.
The mysterious creature, which came to be known as the Red Ghost, distinguished itself through a decade of spectacular encounters that read like tall tales but were documented in territorial newspapers. Cowboys attempting to lasso the beast were thrown, charged and terrorized. The creature appeared capable of leaping canyons, eating grizzly bears and vanishing into thin air when cornered. Most disturbing of all, it continued to carry its grisly passenger.
Physical evidence supported the fantastic accounts: massive hoofprints pressed into desert hardpan, clumps of coarse red hair caught on mesquite thorns, and, occasionally, human bones scattered around campsites that had been trampled and destroyed. Prospectors who claimed to have shot at the creature reported hitting the rider’s head, watching bone tumble away while withered flesh and hair remained attached to the skull.
The Red Ghost’s reign of terror ended in 1893 when rancher Mizoo Hastings shot the creature after it trampled his vegetable garden. The body was, in fact, that of a wild camel, bearing deep scars from old leather bindings and revealing a story that begins with one of the most unusual chapters in U.S. military history.
In the 1850s, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis championed an ambitious experiment: importing more than 70 camels from the Middle East to serve as desert transport for western expansion. The U.S. Army’s “Camel Corps” proved initially successful, with the animals demonstrating remarkable endurance in harsh desert conditions. The Civil War and subsequent military reorganizations doomed the experiment. Camels were sold, abandoned or simply released into the wild, left to fend for themselves in the American Southwest. Most adapted poorly to their new environment, but a few survived to become the stuff of legend.
The mystery of the identity of the rider, who had long since vanished when the camel was killed, consumed frontier imaginations. Some theorized it was a lost prospector tied to the camel’s back in hopes the animal would carry him to water. Others suggested a dead soldier, perhaps killed in a camel stampede, who had been lashed down by a practical joker or in a grim act of necessity. The truth died with both the man and the beast.
Photo
Ben Churchill
The Guardian of Frontier Town
Standing barely 4 feet, 9 inches tall, Eurilla “Pee Wee” Simmons earned her nickname through stature, not spirit. When she arrived in Cave Creek in 1947 with her family, she transformed a patch of desert into a thriving guest ranch that welcomed visitors seeking authentic frontier hospitality. For more than two decades, her property served as a gateway to the untamed beauty of the Sonoran landscape, where city dwellers could taste the romance of territorial Arizona.
In 1969, developer Herman King approached Pee Wee with an offer to purchase her beloved ranch for an ambitious project: Frontier Town. The sale contract contained an unusual stipulation that spoke to her deep connection with the land — Pee Wee could remain in her house until death. Fate seemed to seal the arrangement with supernatural precision: She passed away exactly one year and one day after signing the papers.
What followed transformed a real estate transaction into local legend. Throughout the 1970s, visitors to the newly opened Frontier Town reported ethereal lights drifting between buildings where Pee Wee once welcomed guests. In the late 1980s, a shop owner encountered what he described as a floating torso in the area near her former residence.
To this day, Frontier Town’s resident spirit refuses to relinquish her watch over the land she loved. Modern security systems have captured unexplained activations and shadowy movements, suggesting Pee Wee’s vigil continues as the diminutive woman’s admiration for her desert home has transcended even the boundaries between life and death.
THE DEVIL’S HIGHWAY
While the Wailing Woman and Red Ghost belong to Arizona’s distant past, the legend of the Devil’s Highway bridges historical folklore with modern urban legends, creating a supernatural narrative that evolved throughout the 20th century.
Originally designated as a spur of the famous Mother Road, U.S. Route 666 earned its sinister reputation through a combination of factors: the biblically ominous number, a genuinely dangerous stretch of remote mountain highway and a series of unexplained incidents that transformed a simple road into Arizona’s most feared thoroughfare.
The Arizona portion of U.S. Route 666, running through the White Mountains and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, became the epicenter of supernatural encounters. The route’s isolation, sharp curves and high elevation created genuine hazards — animal crossings, wandering livestock and treacherous weather conditions contributed to numerous real accidents, providing a foundation of documented danger upon which legends could flourish.
Local stories centered on specific phenomena that seemed to plague Arizona travelers. Near Alpine, drivers reported encountering a phantom hitchhiker — a young woman in white who appeared alongside the road, vanishing when motorists stopped to offer assistance. The apparition became so well known that some locals avoided the stretch entirely after dark.
More disturbing were accounts of shapeshifting figures darting across the pavement, drawing on Navajo skinwalker traditions from nearby tribal lands. These sightings typically occurred on the portion of U.S. Route 666 closest to reservation boundaries, where ancient beliefs about land spirits and supernatural guardians intersected with modern highway travel.
Truckers developed their own subset of legends, reporting encounters with infernal, wolflike beasts that ran alongside vehicles, sometimes attacking tires or attempting to force drivers off the road. A few claimed to have been stalked by a black sedan that appeared from nowhere, tailgating and swerving aggressively before vanishing without explanation.
Perhaps most unsettling were accounts of “lost time” — travelers who found themselves miles from their intended destinations with no memory of the journey, or who discovered hours had passed during what should have been brief drives. These experiences, reported primarily on remote stretches of the route in Arizona, suggested something beyond ordinary highway hazards.
The psychological impact of the road’s reputation became so pronounced that Arizona officially renumbered its portion of U.S. Route 666 as U.S. Route 191 in 1992. Statistics showed a measurable decrease in reported accidents following
the change, attributed partly to drivers’ psychological relief from the infamous “666” designation.
Despite the official renaming, the Devil’s Highway persists as a destination for folklore enthusiasts, motorcycle clubs and thrill-seekers drawn to its dark reputation. The original highway markers, when they can be found, have become collectors’ items, stolen so frequently that the state eventually stopped replacing them.
The stretch from Clifton and Morenci to Alpine remains the most storied portion, where high-altitude forests, tribal land boundaries and genuinely treacherous mountain curves combine to create an atmosphere ripe for supernatural encounters. Local residents sometimes attribute the road’s haunted reputation to conflicts between modern development and ancient land spirits, suggesting that some places resist human intrusion regardless of the century.
These three stories — a mother’s eternal grief, a phantom camel carrying the dead, and a highway that seems to exist partially outside normal reality — demonstrate how Arizona’s harsh beauty and frontier history created perfect conditions for legends that transcend mere folklore. Whether you encounter them as cautionary tales, historical curiosities or genuine supernatural phenomena, Arizona’s ghost stories offer a unique window into the state’s soul.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Cave Creek’s Premier Culinary Celebration Returns
Savor the Spirit
October evenings in Cave Creek carry a particular magic, and nowhere is this more evident than when Stagecoach Village awakens as the stage for the region’s most anticipated culinary celebration. The Taste of Cave Creek, returning Oct. 22–23, promises two evenings of gastronomic discovery that showcase why this Western enclave has become one of Arizona’s most coveted dining destinations.
More than 30 local restaurants will converge at this beloved annual festival, each offering carefully crafted sample portions that tell the story of Cave Creek’s evolving culinary landscape. From Big Earl’s Greasy Eats’ hearty comfort fare to Le Sans Souci’s refined European influences, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breadth of local gastronomy in a single, enchanting setting.
The festival’s magic lies not merely in its impressive roster of participating establishments — which includes stalwarts like Harold’s Corral and Keeler’s Steakhouse alongside innovative newcomers like Local Jonny’s Tavern And Cafe — but in its ability to create an atmosphere that feels both festive and authentically Western. String lights illuminate the outdoor venue as live music from bands like
3rd & Long and the Rhinestone Hippies provides the perfect soundtrack for an evening of culinary exploration.
At $5 to $7 per sample, attendees can craft their own progressive dining experience, perhaps beginning with artisanal offerings from Organic Bread Cafe before moving to savory selections from The Meat Market CC, then concluding with sweet indulgences from It’s A Divine Bakery.
This year brings a streamlined payment experience, with restaurants accepting credit cards or cash directly at their booths rather than the traditional red food tickets. The craft beer garden, operating on the familiar $1 ticket system, adds another dimension with local brews and regional wines that complement the diverse food offerings.
The event’s two-night format allows for a leisurely exploration of Cave Creek’s dining scene. Wednesday evening might focus on discovering hidden gems like Kiki Rae’s or sampling the creative fare from Brunch Cave Creek, while Thursday could be dedicated to revisiting favorites or exploring the premium offerings from the Boulders Resort.
Beyond its culinary merits, Taste of Cave Creek serves as a celebration of community spirit. The festival supports
The festival’s magic lies not merely in its impressive roster of participating establishments, but in its ability to create an atmosphere that feels both festive and authentically Western.
local nonprofits, including Foothills Caring Corps and Operation Santa Claus, reinforcing the strong civic bonds that define this unique desert community. The prestigious Mayor’s Cup Award, presented for excellence in food, beverage and guest experience, adds a competitive element that elevates the entire event.
For visitors concerned about logistics, the organizers have thoughtfully arranged complimentary shuttle service from Harold’s Corral, Kiwanis Marketplace and Desert Foothills Library, with Foothills Caring Corps providing transportation from 4:45 to 8:45 p.m. Two on-site ATMs ensure convenient access to cash, allowing the evening to remain focused on culinary pleasure rather than practical concerns.
As autumn settles over the Sonoran Desert, the Taste of Cave Creek offers more than just exceptional food — it provides an authentic taste of a community that has successfully balanced growth with character, innovation with tradition. For those who appreciate the intersection of culinary excellence and genuine hospitality, these two October evenings represent an essential addition to the social calendar.
tasteofcavecreek.com
FOOD
Taste of Cave Creek
Oct. 22–23 // 5–9 p.m. // Stagecoach Village
7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
$15 adults, children 12 and under free 480-204-0140 // tasteofcavecreek.com
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Luke Wayne Media
The Architect of Taste
Chef Cory Oppold Designs Culinary Masterpieces at COURSE
In the sleek, minimalist interior of COURSE Restaurant, Chef Cory Oppold moves with deliberate precision. His hands, trained in architectural principles as much as culinary techniques, arrange microgreens, transform a plate of asparagus into a verdant landscape — a living plant rising from the white canvas of fine china.
“I view every chef as an artist and their restaurant as their gallery,” Oppold says, his eyes carefully monitoring every detail of the dish before it leaves the kitchen. “For example, when guests taste our asparagus, they realize this isn’t just ordinary asparagus.”
This masterful transformation of the familiar into the extraordinary defines Oppold’s culinary philosophy at COURSE, where his architectural training and farm upbringing converge in a symphony of meticulously crafted tasting menus. Since opening in May 2023, his North Scottsdale restaurant has garnered critical acclaim, including a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Southwest and the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Exceptional Culinary Experience award.
James Beard semifinalist chef Cory Oppold brings architectural precision and farm-fresh philosophy to North Scottsdale’s fine dining renaissance at COURSE Restaurant.
I view every chef as an artist and their restaurant as their gallery. Cory Oppold
The journey to culinary stardom began far from the desert landscapes of Arizona. Oppold grew up on a dairy farm in Pearl City, Illinois, where hard work was simply expected and farm-to-table wasn’t a trend but a way of life.
“I started working around age 8 or 9,” Oppold recalls. “Hard work was just natural, you know? That’s just how we grew up.”
His early years, surrounded by large gardens and preserving food through canning and fermentation, instilled an appreciation for ingredients that would later become foundational to his culinary approach. But cooking wasn’t his first career aspiration.
“When I turned 18, my sister, who was already living in Phoenix, texted me,” Oppold explains. “She knew I wanted to study architecture and said, ‘Hey, since Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is so strong here, why don’t you come out after graduation?’ It made sense, so I moved to Phoenix in 1998.”
The pivotal moment in Oppold’s culinary awakening came about a year and a half later, when he experienced fine dining for the first time at the Biltmore.
“That meal opened my eyes,” he says, his voice still carrying traces of that revelatory experience. “I realized food could be more than just nourishment. It was entertainment, art. I was completely intrigued and became really interested in culinary school.”
Encouraged by friends, Oppold enrolled at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute (later Le Cordon Bleu), graduating with honors in 2002. His career trajectory took him through several prestigious kitchens, including Different Pointe of View, L’Auberge de Sedona, Binkley’s, Tarbell’s and Atlas Bistro, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a pivot.
“When COVID-19 hit in 2020, all restaurants were shut down,” Oppold recalls. “I created something called Simmer Down — a cryo-vac meal kit service for people who were cautious during those chaotic first few months.”
This adaptability evolved into an in-home dining service that allowed him to refine his multicourse concept while building a loyal client base. During one such private event, he met his future COURSE partners, Christian and Brett Pezzuto, setting the stage for his brick-and-mortar vision to become reality.
ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES ON A PLATE
The connection between Oppold’s architectural training and culinary artistry is evident in every dish that leaves his kitchen. His plates demonstrate the same attention to composition, balance and structural integrity that he learned studying architecture.
“Both architecture and cooking definitely have an artistic element to them,” Oppold observes. “With architecture, it’s about building components, working with different layers, heights, and colors. Those same principles that drew me to architecture translated naturally into cooking.”
This design-oriented approach is visible in COURSE’s spring menu, where monochromatic color schemes and structural elements create visual cohesion within each dish.
“I definitely love our asparagus dish from the spring 2025 menu,” Oppold says with obvious pride. “It’s composed like a plant, featuring a manicotti filled with ricotta alongside different preparations of asparagus. We incorporate sea grass and sea beans with the asparagus, and everything is garnished to create this beautiful monochromatic green plate.”
Each season, COURSE menus continue with a color-focused approach as seen in other standout dishes.
“Then we have a dish that’s almost entirely yellow — our sea bass with fennel, tomato jam, patty pan squash and yellow bell pepper sauce,” Oppold explains. “Everything on the plate plays within that yellow color palette.”
He describes the spring menu finale with equal enthusiasm: “The dessert course is a study in red, featuring strawberries, pink peppercorns, hibiscus, amaranth and rhubarb. The whole menu flows like a rollercoaster of flavor — it starts bright and acidic, mellows out in the middle, and finishes with these beautiful, bold notes.”
For Oppold, vegetable-forward dishes provide the greatest canvas for creativity.
“Vegetable dishes are definitely our biggest thing,” he says. “We love taking everyday ingredients and restructuring them into something unique. Vegetables are special because they tell you exactly what time of year it is — melons in summer, black truffles in winter. That’s why vegetables are really the cornerstone of what we do at COURSE.”
This architectural approach extends beyond aesthetics to the fundamental structure of flavors and textures within each dish.
“When we build a dish, we first think about which ingredients will taste great together,” Oppold explains. “But then we play with different techniques to create contrasting textures — if something’s creamy, we need a crispy element next to it. It’s all these little details working in harmony. Like with a fatty fish, we know we need an acidic component to balance it out. Making a dish look beautiful is one thing, but making it make sense on the palate — that’s the tricky part. And honestly, that’s where it gets fun.”
FARM ROOTS TO CULINARY HEIGHTS
Despite the sophisticated presentation of his cuisine, Oppold maintains a connection to his farming background through his ingredient selection and relationships with producers.
“Growing up as a farm boy, I experienced firsthand just how hard farming is and how much work farmers put in,” he says. “That’s why supporting local producers is so important to us at COURSE. When we can source ingredients locally, we not only get better quality, but we’re also supporting the hardworking people in our agricultural community.”
This appreciation for agriculture translates to COURSE’s menu development, where seasonality dictates direction.
“We try to source as much locally as possible,” Oppold notes. “Our beef comes from Prescott, and we work with many local vegetable producers. But
James
Beard semifinalist
we also like to incorporate specialty ingredients that aren’t available here in Arizona. Sometimes the best version of an ingredient comes from California, and in those cases, we go with what’s best. While we prioritize regional sourcing when possible, our ultimate commitment is to using the highest quality ingredients, regardless of origin.”
The menu at COURSE changes with each season, offering a five-course tasting menu Tuesday through Thursday and an eight-course chef’s tasting on Fridays and Saturdays. This constant evolution reflects Oppold’s commitment to creativity and innovation.
“We deliberately avoid repeating dishes or creating ‘signature items’ — we’ll never put the same dish on the menu twice,” he says with conviction. “The creative process of menu writing is what intrigues us most. We’re always pushing ourselves to learn new techniques and approaches to keep things exciting, not just for our kitchen team but for our servers and especially our guests.”
chef Cory Oppold brings architectural precision and farmfresh philosophy to North Scottsdale’s fine dining renaissance at COURSE Restaurant.
This dedication to novelty resonates with COURSE’s clientele. The restaurant has quickly become a destination for special occasions and culinary adventurers seeking more than just sustenance.
“I always love when guests ask to come into the kitchen to meet our whole team,” Oppold shares. “That’s definitely one of the best reactions we can get.”
ELEVATING NORTH SCOTTSDALE’S DINING SCENE
COURSE’s location along Shea Boulevard was strategically chosen to serve clients from across the Valley.
“During my in-home dining period, my clientele was spread across Paradise Valley, Desert Mountain, DC Ranch, Gilbert and Chandler,” Oppold explains. “This spot along the Shea corridor is perfect because it’s close to Loop 101, making it accessible for all my clients coming from both the North Valley and the East Valley.”
The restaurant’s success has contributed to North Scottsdale’s rising reputation as a fine dining destination beyond the established resort restaurant scene. COURSE’s intimate dining room creates an exclusivity that complements the meticulous nature of Oppold’s cuisine.
Since opening, COURSE has accumulated an impressive array of accolades. In addition to the James Beard recognition, the restaurant was named Emerging Restaurant of the Year and Top Chef at the 2024 Arizona Restaurant Association Foodist Awards then recognized for Exceptional Culinary Experience in 2025. COURSE was also the only Arizona establishment to make Yelp’s national list of Best New Restaurants for 2024, ranking No. 7.
“The recognition puts more weight on your shoulders — though we already put that pressure on ourselves as a team back here,” Oppold reflects.
“While the accolades are nice, they don’t change our fundamental approach or philosophy. What they do change is our drive — it makes us want to work even harder to keep exceeding expectations.”
This drive for excellence extends to every aspect of the COURSE experience, from the culinary creations to the service.
“Our focus is simple — making our guests happy,” Oppold says. “That’s the foundation of everything we do. And equally important is keeping our staff happy, because those two things go hand in hand. The happier our staff is, the better experience our guests will have. For COURSE itself, we’ll keep pushing the envelope, exploring what we’re capable of, and making every menu better than the last.”
Despite his sophisticated culinary repertoire, when asked what he craves for personal enjoyment, Oppold’s answer reveals his unpretentious nature.
“I would definitely say eggs are probably one of my favorite things — specifically scrambled eggs with Sriracha on toast,” he says. “Something very simple and, to be honest, kind of mindless, but just really tasty, you know?”
This balance of simplicity and complexity, of farm roots and fine dining finesse, defines not only Oppold’s cuisine but his approach to life. As COURSE continues to evolve, it remains a canvas for his artistic expression — a gallery where architecture meets agriculture, and where everyday ingredients are transformed into extraordinary experiences.
courserestaurantaz.com
photo essay
Dave Wilson
Photographer
South Maricopa Mountains Wilderness Area
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
It feels as if I’m seeing the ghosts of the land’s past — not the spooky kind, but the spirits of ordinary people, full of stories forever lost to time.
Dave Wilson
Haunted Horizons
The yellow eyes appeared first — massive, unblinking, staring back through the pre-dawn darkness of the Mogollon Rim. Then another pair materialized from the shadows. And another. Dave Wilson stood frozen, his headlamp’s beam catching what his mind interpreted as bears lurking just beyond the treeline.
“I literally started trembling,” Wilson recalls of that early morning encounter that would ultimately inform some of his most evocative landscape photography. “Something about seeing large eyes reflected in the darkness taps into something deeply primal. The experience completely overrides all rationality and fills you with terror.”
The “bears,” as it turned out, were elk — a discovery Wilson made only when dawn broke and thick morning fog
began rolling through the forest. But that primal fear, that brush with the unknown, had already shifted something in his artistic vision.
“I think being creeped out by imaginary killer bears actually put me in the perfect mindset to capture the beautifully eerie nature of the fog,” he says. “I had no trouble getting good photos.”
This intersection of fear and beauty, mystery and familiarity, defines this haunted collection of Wilson’s atmospheric Arizona landscapes that transform our known desert terrain into something altogether more enigmatic. Through his lens, fog-shrouded forests become portals to another realm, moonlit lakes reflect stories we’ll never know, and stark desert silhouettes stand as sentinels guarding secrets buried in time.
Painted Desert
Something about seeing large eyes reflected in the darkness taps into something deeply primal. The experience completely overrides all rationality and fills you with terror. Dave Wilson
Superstition Mountains
GHOSTS IN THE LANDSCAPE
Photographer Dave Wilson’s willingness to embrace rather than resist unexpected conditions has become fundamental to his artistic process. When monsoon clouds replaced his anticipated golden-hour sunset at Joshua Tree Parkway northwest of Wickenburg, disappointment lasted exactly five minutes.
“Then I realized that if I let go of color and concentrated on dramatic black-and-white tones, I could still capture some really striking images — and I did,” he recalls. “You have to be an opportunist. If you set out expecting sunshine and blue skies but the weather turns dark and stormy, embrace that shift! It’s not worse — it’s just different.”
This adaptability extends beyond weather into a deeper philosophical understanding of Arizona’s landscape as a repository of untold stories. For Wilson, the state’s mystery emerges not from supernatural elements but from the weight of human history layered beneath the visible terrain.
“The strongest thread connecting humans throughout all of history isn’t our cultures, languages, religions or technologies — it’s the land we’ve all shared,” he reflects. “For me, it’s impossible to look out over a beautiful landscape and not think about that legacy. It feels as if I’m seeing the ghosts of the land’s past — not the spooky kind, but the spirits of ordinary people, full of stories forever lost to time.”
This perspective has evolved through decades of exploration, revealing Arizona not as a collection of distinct regions but as an interconnected whole. The Catalinas, Chiricahuas and Mount Graham aren’t isolated sky islands but part of what Wilson calls an “Arizona archipelago” — connecting the southern Rockies to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental.
“Wherever you travel in the Grand Canyon State, everything is connected, a part of one grand landscape,” he observes.
Yet this expanded understanding carries sobering awareness. Wilson estimates that true wilderness comprises only about 6% of Arizona, with the remaining 94% increasingly developed or exploited.
“Arizona’s wild places are increasingly haunted by human activity, and the scariest thing happening to our land is that its wildness is vanishing — disappearing faster than a kid’s Halloween candy,” he warns. “My advice? Get out and experience Arizona’s wild places while they’re still wild. Don’t relegate exploring the state to a bucket list for ‘someday.’ Put it on your list of things to do now.”
Joshua Tree Parkway
Mogollon Rim
Saguaro Lake
Arizona’s wild places are increasingly haunted by human activity, and the scariest thing happening to our land is that its wildness is vanishing — disappearing faster than a kid’s Halloween candy. Dave Wilson
Bear Canyon Lake Kinnikinick Lake
Meet the Photographer
Dave Wilson’s journey from documenting wildlife sightings to creating fine art began during teenage hiking expeditions in the mountains around Tucson. Armed initially with a camera to prove his encounters with deer, javelina and bighorn sheep to skeptical friends, he approached photography “basically as a form of hunting.”
“Some people hunt with a gun. I hunted with a Canon,” Wilson explains. “My goal was simply to get close enough to an animal for a killer shot.”
A 20-year career in public relations and corporate communications — including positions at Walker Agency Public Relations, Graphics Co-Op and the Downtown Mesa Association — refined his technical skills through commercial photography, but it was the call of solitude that ultimately shaped his artistic vision. Wilson discovered that his most compelling work emerged when civilization fell away entirely.
“I have participated in all kinds of creative endeavors, but the endeavor that I keep returning to more than any other is nature and landscape photography,” he says. “That is probably because it is something that I can do completely alone. With outdoor photography, I can walk away from civilization altogether and work completely alone, and that is where I am most comfortable.”
This preference for solitude isn’t merely artistic temperament — it’s a practical necessity for capturing the fleeting moments that define his work. While others might retreat at sunset, Wilson ventures deeper into twilight’s embrace.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hiked all day with others, only to have them say, just as the sun is finally getting low and the light is perfect, ‘Well, we’d better head back if we want to make it to the car by nightfall,’” Wilson says. “Hiking alone spares me the frustration of being with people who are ready to quit just as the conditions become ideal — adults who, even now, are still afraid of the dark.”
Wilson’s connection to Arizona’s landscape extends beyond photography. His book “Ruins Seldom Seen” uniquely combines a hiking guide with historical exploration — each trail leads to ancient Native American pueblos, cliff dwellings or rock art sites throughout the Southwest. Originally published by Falcon Press in 1999 and revised by Wilson in 2011, it establishes him as both a visual chronicler and written guide to the region’s archaeological treasures.
davewilsonimages.com
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Natural Light Photography and Courtesy of TCFR
Riding Into a New Era Turquoise Circuit Finals
ARodeo Finds It's Home in Cave Creek
fter four successful years in Camp Verde, the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo is saddling up for a new adventure, one that promises to bring the Southwest’s most prestigious professional rodeo competition directly into the heart of Arizona’s luxury lifestyle corridor.
Come Oct. 31–Nov. 1, Cave Creek Memorial Arena will thunder with the hooves of championship horses and the cheers of spectators as the region’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete for about $175,000 in prize money and the coveted title that can launch careers to the national stage.
Rodeo is an art form, and it’s the world’s greatest art form derived from everyday work. James Horcasitas
“We are so grateful to the Camp Verde Equestrian Center and the Town of Camp Verde for being our home these past four years,” says James Horcasitas, president of the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. “We felt truly welcomed, and it was an honor to bring the best rodeo athletes from New Mexico and Arizona into such a supportive community. As we look ahead to the future, we’re excited to build on that foundation and bring this incredible event to Cave Creek.”
The relocation represents more than just a change of venue — it’s a strategic move that positions the championship within one of the country’s most robust rodeo markets, where Western heritage isn’t just preserved but actively celebrated year-round.
THE CIRCUIT THAT STARTED IT ALL
The Turquoise Circuit holds a special place in professional rodeo’s constellation of regional competitions. As one of 13 circuits that comprise the Professional Rodeo Cowboys As-
Empty Bowls
Saturday, October 11, 2025 1:30–4:30 PM 4250 E Carefree Hwy, Cave Creek
Free parking; free browsing. Bowls, food and drinks individually priced.
Foothillsfoodbank.com/ empty-bowls
All bowls made by Sonoran Arts League artists, Arizona Woodturners Association members & community volunteers.
sociation’s system, it encompasses the very geography where American rodeo was born.
“What I always say is that we’re one of the first circuits to really embrace rodeo from the very beginning,” Horcasitas explains. “It’s been a long-standing tradition in our area because New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona — that’s where rodeo originally came from, derived from the vaqueros out of Mexico.”
This isn’t marketing hyperbole. Prescott hosts the world’s oldest rodeo, while Payson claims the world’s longest continuously running rodeo. The Southwest doesn’t just participate in rodeo culture — it created it.
“We hold onto those traditions because they’re near and dear to our hearts,” Horcasitas continues. “What makes us stand out is that we only have about two major metropolitan areas between Arizona and New Mexico in the Turquoise Circuit. We’re mostly rural country, and we still have working ranch cowboys and cowgirls going 24/7.”
This authentic connection to ranching culture gives the Turquoise Circuit a competitive edge in developing talent. Many competitors grew up in ranching families where rodeo skills weren’t performance art but a practical necessity.
For Horcasitas, who serves as both president and full-time rodeo announcer, the competition represents something deeper than athletic achievement.
“I want people to realize that rodeo is an art form, and it’s the world’s greatest art form derived from everyday work,” he reflects. “It’s just like storytelling, which became writing, which became visual art and comic books — it’s a different way to tell a story.”
This perspective transforms how one views the eight traditional events — bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Each requires not just physical prowess but an almost choreographed precision developed over years of practice.
“Rodeo is one of those things that a lot of states are pushing out,” Horcasitas observes. “They’re not funding it anymore, they’re not backing it. But for so many people, this is their lineage — fourth generation, fifth generation rodeo families. That’s the beginning of America, pretty much.”
THE CAVE CREEK CONNECTION
The move to Cave Creek wasn’t arbitrary. The town’s deep-rooted Western identity and established rodeo culture made it a natural fit for the championship’s evolution.
“This is a great honor for Cave Creek,” says Mayor Robert Morris. “The Turquoise Circuit features some of the best cowboys from around the
country. With our famous Cave Creek Rodeo Days each March and now the prestigious Turquoise Circuit Finals this fall, Cave Creek is a year-round destination for rodeo fans.”
The integration goes beyond simple venue rental. Horcasitas emphasizes the collaborative approach his organization is taking.
“We didn’t want to negatively affect their rodeo. In fact, we want to help their rodeo succeed,” he explains. “So we’re working with their volunteers and involving them in ways where they can profit from our event and help support their own rodeo as well.”
The town’s enthusiasm extends to practical support. Plans are underway to showcase the competitors throughout the community, with visits to local restaurants, businesses and attractions during rodeo week.
“We want our contestants to be accessible to the community,” Horcasitas says.“We’re planning autograph sessions and encouraging them to go into town on Friday and Saturday. We want them out there, visible, so people know the rodeo is in town.”
CAREER-MAKING COMPETITION
The stakes at TCFR extend far beyond prize money. Success here can transform an athlete’s entire career trajectory, as demonstrated by recent champions such as Caelan Reynolds and Avery Mullins.
Reynolds, a Marana native, exemplifies the circuit’s development pathway.
“He was a junior high school champion bull rider, then a high school champion bull rider for the state of Arizona,” Horcasitas recounts. “He worked his way up, and it took a few years. But he actually took the smart path in bull riding by going level by level.”
When Reynolds won the circuit finals in his first professional year, that victory automatically qualified him for the National Circuit
Finals Rodeo — a credential that opened doors to major competitions nationwide.
“When you beat out the best bull riders in your circuit and become the year-end champion, that’s a hell of a feat in the PRCA,” Horcasitas explains. “Then you go compete against the biggest names who were the best in their respective circuits at the national level — that pretty much stamps your card for the rest of your career.”
The formula worked. Reynolds can now enter prestigious events like the San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth rodeos based on his circuit finals credentials.
Meanwhile, Mullins represents the culmination of this development system. The 19-year-old won the 2024 circuit finals, advanced to nationals and claimed the national championship — becoming both a circuit and national champion in the same year.
Beyond competition, TCFR emphasizes community engagement and charitable giving. The event’s partnership with the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund reflects rodeo’s culture of mutual support.
“The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund is probably one of the greatest organizations I’ve ever encountered,” Horcasitas says. “They do so much for injured cowboys and cowgirls.”
The fund’s relevance became personal when Mullins, the young champion, suffered a back injury during his national championship ride.
“He’s unable to compete right now,” Horcasitas notes. “That’s exactly when the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund steps in to help contestants like Avery.”
The organization operates on volunteerism, providing “a hand up, not a handout” to injured competitors. TCFR contributes through fundraising events and donated auction items.
BLUE-COLLAR CHAMPIONS
What distinguishes TCFR from major touring rodeos is its unique mix of competitors. While four or five participants travel the national circuit full time, the majority are what Horcasitas calls “bluecollar rodeo competitors.”
“They have real jobs and families. They work full time, but they love rodeo so much that they’re still going down the road, hitting circuit rodeos throughout Arizona and New Mexico,” he explains. “For these blue-collar competitors especially, qualifying for the circuit finals means everything.”
This diversity creates compelling narratives — working professionals pursuing excellence in their sport, weekend warriors competing against full-time athletes and emerging talent seeking breakthrough moments.
The 2025 event carries special significance as the circuit’s 50th anniversary celebration. Horcasitas feels the weight of stewardship for this milestone, but his vision extends beyond single-year success.
“I have this picture in my head where I want to outdo every circuit,” he admits. “Success for me would be making three groups happy: the contestants, the crowd and the sponsors.”
The Cave Creek partnership positions TCFR for sustained growth within a mega market that can support expanded sponsorship, increased attendance and enhanced competitor experiences.
Perhaps most importantly, TCFR represents the preservation of authentic Western culture in an increasingly urbanized world. For Horcasitas, this mission carries deep personal meaning.
“Rodeo is probably one of the best family systems I’ve ever seen in my life,” he reflects. “It really accepts all those who don’t have a family — they find direction, they find drive. A lot of kids whose parents didn’t rodeo go out and do it themselves.”
The sport’s inclusive nature extends to competition itself.
“It’s not very often you go somewhere where somebody competing against you will lend you something to help you beat them in their own sport,” Horcasitas says. “I’ve never seen another sport do that before.”
As the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo prepares to write its next chapter in Cave Creek, it brings more than championship competition to the community. It delivers authentic Western heritage, world-class athleticism and the enduring values of a culture that helped define the American Southwest.
The arena lights will shine bright this fall, illuminating not just athletic achievement but the preservation of an art form that connects modern Arizona to its foundational roots.
turquoisecircuitfinalsrodeo.com
EXPERIENCE
Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo
Oct. 31–Nov. 1 // See website for schedule
Cave Creek Memorial Arena
37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek $35+ // turquoisecircuitfinalsrodeo.com
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Pages & Passion Desert Foothills Book Festival Celebrates Local
NLiterary Luminaries
ow in its fourth year, the Desert Foothills Book Festival has evolved from a modest gathering into a vibrant showcase where approximately 40 local authors — 40% of them newcomers this year — share their passion with readers hungry for authentic storytelling and genuine connection.
“Arizona authors are a vibrant, varied and caring group, eager to share their craft and enrich the lives of those in our community,” says Caren Cantrell, children’s author and chairperson of the Desert Foothills Book Festival.
“The festival is a truly unique event for the Valley. We’ve doubled in size since our inaugural 2022 festival, and expect this year to be even bigger and more diverse.”
What sets this festival apart in the crowded landscape of literary events is its commitment to fostering face-to-face connections between writers and readers — an increasingly rare commodity in our digital age. The first 100 attendees will receive a curated book and gift box valued at $60, courtesy of Once Upon a Book Club, while families can enjoy freshly made pizza from Pizzeria Del Torrente as they browse tables spanning every conceivable genre, from mystery to fantasy to historical fiction.
Photo by Clay Banks
Photo by Robert Anasch
Arizona authors are a vibrant, varied and caring group, eager to share their craft and enrich the lives of those in our community. Caren Cantrell
CRIME THROUGH AN EXPERT’S EYES
Behind a table displaying psychological thrillers sits Scottsdale resident Susan Magestro, whose transition from internationally recognized criminologist to fiction writer brings an unparalleled authenticity to the crime genre. With more than 35 years working with youth, families and law enforcement across the United States and abroad, Magestro has witnessed the full spectrum of human behavior — experiences she now channels into her “Priscilla Breen, Criminologist” series.
“My real-world experiences influence everything I write — whether it’s nonfiction, fiction, articles, lectures or speaking engagements,” Magestro explains, her eyes lighting up with the passion of someone who has found her second calling. “These experiences aren’t limited to crime alone. For example, just a few weeks ago, I witnessed a beautiful marriage proposal, and I plan to describe that moment in an upcoming book.”
What makes Magestro particularly unique in both her professional and literary careers is her ability to navigate multiple perspectives within the justice system.
Criminologist-turned-author Susan Magestro brings more than 35 years of real-world crime experience to her psychological thrillers.
“I’ve been fortunate in earning acceptance for my work from both the defense and prosecution sides of the justice system,” she explains. “It’s rare for a professional like myself to walk that center line.”
This balanced perspective informs her fiction, where readers encounter complex characters drawn from decades of real-world experience.
“We write what we know, and I know the realities of crime, those who commit them, and their victims,” she says, describing how her new psychological thriller draws from an accumulation of diverse experiences in criminology. “My fictional stories are gripping, with many riveting side threads that often take readers down unexpected paths. The characters truly drive the tale.”
For Magestro, festivals like Desert Foothills serve a deeper purpose beyond book sales.
“Recently, I had the most amazing experience — a teenage reader reached out to me after being moved by one of my books,” she recalls. “Some of my favorite moments, as both an author and criminologist, are when young people share their dreams with me. I, too, once had a dream — one that many dismissed as unrealistic because I was young. Yet it’s the very life I’ve gone on to live.”
susanmagestro.com
PAINTING WORLDS WITH WORDS AND CANVAS
At a neighboring table, fantasy author Kristen Salustro — who writes under the pen name K.N. Salustro — showcases not only her award-winning books but also handmade plush creatures that leap directly from her pages. The Scottsdale resident’s unique blend of cosmic adventure and fantasy elements, featuring interstellar travel alongside dragons, has garnered an enthusiastic following for series like “The Star Hunters” and “Southern Echo.”
“I grew up on fantasy and science fiction. My dad especially nurtured my love for sci-fi from a young age,” Salustro recalls, describing a pivotal moment when her father took her to a special screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” “I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, eyes glued to the screen. Something about it hooked me, and I’ve been obsessed ever since.”
That childhood fascination evolved into sophisticated worldbuilding that draws inspiration from reality while stretching it into something entirely new.
“Inspiration can come from anywhere,” she explains, describing how her pirate fantasy features sirens designed using real-
Fantasy author K.N. Salustro creates handmade plush creatures inspired by characters from her award-winning books.
Scottsdale author Susan Magestro channels her criminology career into the “Priscilla Breen, Criminologist” series.
Award-winning author K.N.
combines visual art with worldbuilding in her science fiction and fantasy novels.
world fish rather than traditional mythology. “My lead siren is based on a lionfish — stripes, spines and all.”
Salustro’s artistic background informs every aspect of her writing process.
“I love writing, but I’ve always been a very visual person, so if I can bring elements from my books to life through my art, I do,” she says, gesturing to the colorful array of “arkins” — space cat-dragons from her “Star Hunters” trilogy — that draw curious children and adults alike to her display.
The author’s approach to conventions and festivals reflects a community-first philosophy that resonates with the Desert Foothills Festival’s mission.
“I hope I’ve been able to share useful tips and ideas about event setups and pitching to readers and potential customers,” she explains. “I also keep in mind that a rising tide lifts all boats. In my experience, approaching these events with a sense of community rather than competition goes much farther in many ways.”
knsalustro.com
Salustro
Cave
HIGHWAY TALES AND ROCK 'N’ ROLL RHYTHMS
Cave Creek resident Alan Webber brings yet another perspective to the festival’s diverse literary landscape. After more than 50 years in the family transportation business — including two years behind the wheel himself — Webber channels his intimate knowledge of trucking culture into compelling thrillers that showcase the human side of life on the road.
“When I first considered becoming a writer, I was repeatedly told, ‘Write what you know,’” Webber explains from behind a table displaying his novels “Whipping Post” and “Roll Me Away” — titles drawn from classic rock songs that inform his writing process. “My goal was to do for trucking what John Grisham does for law: write a compelling story centered around what I know, while giving readers an authentic look at the everyday lives of truckers.”
Webber’s novels go beyond stereotypes to reveal the complex realities of America’s highways.
“I wanted to go beyond the stereotypes and showcase the human side of a trucker,” he says. “The protagonist
in my two novels (soon to be three), Tim Harrison, is modeled as a deeply real character — inspired by any one of the 200 drivers in our fleet.”
Music plays an integral role in Webber’s storytelling process.
“I’m a classic rock and blues enthusiast — I listen to music all day long, whether I’m golfing or writing,” he explains. “Each chapter is also named after a song by these bands, and I use an excerpt from the lyrics to set the tone for the narrative.
“For example, ‘Whipping Post’ begins with its memorable refrain: ‘Sometimes I feel... like I’ve been tied... to the whipping post... oh Lord, I feel like I’m dying,’” Webber explains. “To me, that line perfectly embodies the life of a trucker — tied to the steering wheel to make a living, while things might be unraveling back home.”
After decades in the demanding transportation industry, Webber has found writing to be both a creative outlet and a form of legacy-building.
“I’m striving to create a legacy that my grandchildren — and future generations — can appreciate long after I’m gone,” he reflects.
webberswhippingpost.com
EXPERIENCE
Desert Foothills Book Festival
Saturday, Oct. 18 // 10 a.m.–3 p.m. // Holland Community Center // 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale Free // 480-488-9806 // desertfoothillsbookfestival.com
Creek author Alan Webber draws from more than 50 years in trucking to craft authentic highway thrillers.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Royal Rumble Wales
Polo Team Returns to Desert Championship
When Ricky Cooper declared the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships “the best polo event in the world,” he wasn’t merely offering diplomatic pleasantries. As captain of the Wales National Polo Team — founded in 2008 under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, now King Charles III — Cooper understands exceptional polo. This November, he and his internationally acclaimed squad return to WestWorld of Scottsdale for what promises to be the most thrilling edition yet of America’s most attended polo weekend.
The 14th annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships spans four record-breaking days, Nov. 8-9, transforming Scottsdale into the epicenter of American polo. Six electrifying matches pit global powerhouses against each other, while the concurrent WestWorld Art & Wine Experience adds unprecedented cultural depth to an already sophisticated celebration.
“The Best Polo Event in the World” distinction isn’t hyperbole — it’s recognition of an event that has masterfully evolved from a local tournament to an international destination. This year’s signature match pits Cooper’s Wales team against the defending champions, Wine Country
Photography Courtesy of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
Polo Club, in a 2 p.m. Saturday showdown that embodies everything compelling about modern polo: royal pedigree meeting California innovation, tradition facing contemporary challengers.
Cooper’s Wales roster reads like polo’s greatest hits. Argentine standout Matias Amaya brings thirdgeneration professional expertise from his Warwickshire stud farm, while Mikey Henderson arrives fresh from gold-medal glory with Team Ireland at the Federation of International Polo European Championships. Cooper himself earned top honors at England’s Victor Ludorum Awards after dominating the arena polo season — credentials that underscore Wales’ formidable championship credentials.
Yet the Wales-Wine Country clash represents just one jewel in a weekend crown studded with compelling narratives. The inaugural Army vs. Navy match honors Veterans Day weekend with patriotic fervor, while Sunday’s Battle of the Sexes and International All-Stars matches showcase polo’s inclusive evolution. Each contest delivers the sport’s signature blend of athletic prowess and strategic sophistication that has captivated global audiences for centuries.
ART & WINE FESTIVALS
Sip, savor, and celebrate!
Step into Arizona’s most unforgettable festival experiences, brought to you by Vermilion Promotions. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, music enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Vermillion curates an immersive celebration where creativity, flavor, and community come together in perfect harmony. Free admission.
Stagecoach Village Art & Wine Festival
Nov. 21-23, 2025
Jan. 9-11, 2026
Mar. 20-22, 2026
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
Nov. 1-2, 2025
Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2026
WestWorld Art & Wine Experience
Nov. 8-9, 2025
Wigwam Fine Art Festivals
Dec. 5-7, 2025
Feb. 13-15, 2026
Tubac Festival of the Arts
Feb. 4-8, 2026
Oro Valley Art & Wine Festival
Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2026
High Street Art Festival
Mar. 7-8, 2026
SanTan Art & Wine Festival
Oct 25-26, 2025
Mar. 28-29, 2026
While the polo matches are undoubtedly the main event, the energy, atmosphere and overall experience surrounding them is a big part of what keeps people coming back year after year. Beli Merdovic
“While the polo matches are undoubtedly the main event, the energy, atmosphere and overall experience surrounding them is a big part of what keeps people coming back year after year,” explains Beli Merdovic, general manager of title sponsor Bentley Scottsdale. The observation captures why this championship transcends sport to become a cultural phenomenon.
This transformation is evident throughout the event experience. The reimagined Barrett-Jackson Champagne & Jazz Lounge epitomizes this evolution, adopting an open-air format that celebrates November’s ideal desert temperatures. Guests can now savor premium champagne while watching world-class polo unfold against Scottsdale’s dramatic mountain backdrop — a uniquely Arizona luxury that international visitors consistently cite as unforgettable.
Fashion takes center stage alongside sport, with Phoenix Fashion Week’s World’s Longest Catwalk Fashion Show and Canine Couture by Lugari Pet Salon providing runway glamour between matches.
The beloved Casa Amigos Dayclub returns, offering sophisticated socializing that has become synonymous with Scottsdale’s high-style reputation.
Beyond these signature attractions, this year’s concurrent WestWorld Art & Wine Experience elevates the cultural quotient dramatically. One hundred artists and craftsmen join 20 acclaimed Arizona wineries, creating an immersive celebration of creativity that positions the championship as more than a
sporting spectacle — it’s a comprehensive cultural festival worthy of the Valley’s discriminating tastes.
For newcomers to polo, the sport’s appeal lies in its unique combination of equestrian skill, strategic thinking and social atmosphere. Each six-chukker match unfolds like high-speed chess, with players demonstrating remarkable horsemanship while executing complex team strategies. The intimate WestWorld setting allows spectators unprecedented access to both action and athletes, creating engagement impossible at larger venues.
As Cooper and his Wales teammates prepare for desert combat, they carry more than royal patronage — they represent polo’s highest traditions meeting Arizona’s innovative spirit. Whether defending championship honor or claiming new glory, each team arrives understanding they’re participating in something truly special: polo at its most refined, in a setting that captures both the sport’s timeless appeal and Scottsdale’s contemporary elegance.
EXPERIENCE
Bentley Scottsdale
Polo Championships
Nov. 8–9
Matches begin 10 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. Sunday WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
See website for prices // 480-312-6802 thepoloparty.com
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
Forging Arizona’s First Superhighway
Trail of Necessity
Local historian Jim Sherbert paints a vivid picture of the challenges that gave birth to the historic trail winding through a 48-acre parcel of pristine Sonoran Desert that a local nonprofit hopes to preserve as Carefree's first community park.
“Every place begins with a spark — an event or a practical need that inspires others to follow — and the Carefree-Cave Creek area is no different,” Sherbert explains. “Much of its early prominence can be traced to U.S. Army Col. George Stoneman.”
In 1870, Stoneman — a Civil War general who had served under Ulysses S. Grant but reportedly was not in his good graces — found himself appointed commander of Fort McDowell, one of the most isolated and desolate military posts in the country. The few hundred soldiers stationed on the Verde River were tasked with controlling Tonto Apache bands throughout the Verde and Gila river valleys.
The logistics were daunting. The nearest significant town was Tucson, about 150 miles south. Weekly resupply came from Fort Whipple near Prescott — also nearly 150 miles away. Phoenix did not yet exist. Fort McDowell struggled with chronic shortages of vital necessities and ammunition.
Seeking solutions, Stoneman consulted local miners about a shorter supply route. They told him of a small spring flowing from a cave roughly halfway between the two forts, with enough water and forage for animals. Stoneman quickly ordered construction of a supply road between the forts, cutting the supply timeline roughly in half.
Arizona was the last of the 48 contiguous states admitted to the Union because it was hard to reach — and, once here, hard to survive. Jim Sherbert
“This route became known as the Stoneman Military Trail, later simply the Stoneman Road,” Sherbert notes. “Cave Creek became the central hub of the Stoneman Road and, as often happens, entrepreneurs followed the Army, establishing businesses to serve both the military and local miners.”
This activity eventually led to the development of Cave Creek Road, connecting the newly founded city of Phoenix (established in the early 1880s) to the Cave Creek region.
After the final Apache surrender in the late 1870s, the Army abandoned the Stoneman Road and Fort McDowell closed. Even so, the road remained the primary route for local ranchers and miners. Carefree wouldn’t be developed for another 70-plus years, but the segment running through the proposed park represents one of the last visible sections of the original route.
“It is not uncommon to find artifacts — items likely discarded 150 years ago — along what remains of this historic trail,” Sherbert observes.
For Sherbert, preservation extends beyond sentiment. In a region where few residents are truly “locals,” historical sites offer opportunities for community engagement with the area’s heritage.
“Arizona was the last of the 48 contiguous states admitted to the union because it was hard to reach — and, once here, hard to survive,” he reflects. “While the state lacks major national milestones like Civil War battlefields or the Oregon Trail, its history is defined by countless individual achieve-
ments that deserve acknowledgment. Our region is rich with these smaller historic episodes — such as the Stoneman Road — that should be preserved as part of our shared heritage.”
Today, as community advocates work to preserve this historic corridor within a proposed park, Sherbert sees an opportunity for Carefree to honor its heritage while giving both residents and visitors reasons to discover what the area offers.
“The Stoneman Road can be one of those reasons,” he says.
Historian Jim Sherbert researched the 155-year-old Stoneman Road Military Trail crossing the proposed park site.
I love creating new dishes, and it gives me a real high to see a customer smile and say, ‘Oh my God, this looks incredible.’ Jeffrey Jacobson
For six decades, Black Mountain Cafe has evolved from a beloved breakfast destination into a sophisticated culinary experience under the masterful direction of Chef Jeffrey Jacobson. This classically French-trained chef brings three decades of fine dining expertise — including catering the Masters golf tournament — to Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village.
“Cooking has always come naturally to me — it’s my passion,” says Jacobson, whose impressive resume includes transforming a California country club’s revenue from $700,000 to $1.6 million and earning awards for both innovation and customer satisfaction. “I love creating new dishes, and it gives me a real high to see a customer smile and say, ‘Oh my God, this looks incredible.’”
Jacobson’s commitment to scratch cooking and fresh ingredients elevates every dish. His signature Black Mountain Salad — featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette, dried cranberries, blue cheese and avocado — has garnered awards since its 1999 debut. Weekly rotating specials showcase his versatility, from Mediterranean-style pan-seared swordfish with heirloom tomatoes and Kalamata olives to his renowned Maryland-style crab cakes.
Fall menus embrace seasonal sophistication with house-made soups like seafood gumbo and the chef’s famous French peasant — a rustic blend of meats and vegetables that reflects his classical training. Hearty offerings include braised short ribs and beef Bourguignon over garlic mashed potatoes, while fresh seafood selections demonstrate his versatility.
The dining experience extends beyond exceptional cuisine. Friday night Black Mountain Jam Sessions create an intimate atmosphere where patrons can enjoy live music alongside dinner service from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The addition of Gears, their new bar area, provides a sophisticated space for pre- or post-meal beverages.
“If a guest wants something special, all they have to do is ask,” Jacobson notes, embodying the personalized service that has made Black Mountain Cafe a cornerstone of Carefree dining for 60 years.
BLACK MOUNTAIN CAFE
Dining Guide
RUSTIC ITALIAN PEAR CAKE
This elegantly rustic Italian pear cake embodies the gentle transition from Arizona’s scorching summers to cooler autumn evenings. Greek yogurt creates an impossibly tender crumb while chunks of perfectly ripe pears — Bosc or Bartlett varieties work beautifully — infuse each bite with seasonal sweetness. The cake’s restrained sugar content allows the pears’ natural essence to shine, making it equally at home gracing a sophisticated breakfast table or concluding an intimate dinner party.
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS:
3 large firm, ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Recipe
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting Freshly whipped cream for serving (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 1/2-inch springform pan with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray.
2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip sugar and eggs in a large bowl until the mixture achieves a pale, creamy texture — approximately 3 minutes.
3. Gently fold in the yogurt, melted butter and vanilla extract using a spatula until just combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the pear pieces with care to avoid overmixing.
5. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack before removing from pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving alongside dollops of freshly whipped cream.
For an elegant presentation, garnish with paper-thin pear slices dehydrated at 150 degrees until crisp — a process that may take several hours, depending on humidity levels.
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