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Fine art, wine fest offers the best of both worlds

BY ALLISON BROWN

Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The Spring Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival knows sipping on wine and listening to live music makes an art showcase finer.

“The Spring Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival, in my opinion, is the most beautiful show of the entire season,” said Denise Colter, president of Thunderbird Artists, the organizers.

This year, the festival will take place in the Carefree Desert Gardens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20.

The event will have over 160 juried fine artists participating from all over the country with a variety of mediums, subject matters, styles, sizes and prices.

According to Haley Austin, executive director of Thunderbird Artists, pieces will include sculptures, pottery, photography, jewelry, stained glass, mixed media, oil paintings and acrylic paintings.

“There is going to be western, Indian, all the way to contemporary, abstract, figurative and real art styles. It tries to encompass something for everyone,” Austin said. “It doesn’t matter your personal style or the architecture of your home, you should be able to find something that would fit into your sense of style or your artistic taste.”

Thunderbird Artists selects the vendors and examines the quality, professionalism and presentation to ensure only the best works and displays make it to their events. Austin said, while everyone has their own style, the jewelry and larger statues tend to be a crowd favorite.

“Our featured artist for the event is Victor Yurivilca,” Austin said. “He does jewelry but it’s very sculptural, some consider him both a jeweler and a sculptor. He has been showing with us almost since we first started, at least 20 years.”

In addition to the art, Colter said the festival will have five wineries, three distilleries and four microbreweries as well as live music, food and beautiful weather. For $15, patrons can get tickets and a wine tasting glass that can be used at any of the wineries, distilleries or microbreweries. Wineries include Schlossadler, Wilson Creek, Mediterranean Table, King Frosch and Celestial Artisan Meadery. Vendors will list what they have available for tasting that day, and guests can exchange their tickets for a tasting.

Festival goers get the best of both worlds with art and wine.

“The wine is kind of spread throughout. So, you can come in, fill up your glass,

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 16, 2022

Cave Creek’s Comfy Brothers earn national holiday

BY JORDAN HOUSTON

Foothills Focus Staff Writer

It’s been five years since Arizona brothers Michael and Brian Speciale debuted their wearable blanket, The Comfy, on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” With only a prototype in hand, the Cave Creek natives closed a deal with Barbara Corcoran in 2017.

Available in over 100 countries, The Comfy has since gone on to become the show’s third most successful product-launch. Earlier this year, the siblings had their own holiday: National Comfy Day.

The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Comfy Day Feb. 20, 2021. The day marks the fifth anniversary of the product that

The Comfy founders and brothers Brian, left, and Michael Speciale successfully pitched their company on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2017. (Photo courtesy of the Speciales)

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“We’re trying to get the word out there about The Comfy for sure, but it’s not just about the product. It’s an overall comfort day for everyone, whether you’re wearing your Comfy or not,” Michael said. “It’s just a holiday where you want to get comfortable and we want to let everybody know to take time for yourself and chill out a bit – and while you’re at it, hopefully you’re wearing your Comfy.”

The Comfy, sold across 5,000 retailers, has expanded to a range of products designed to “wrap everyone in a giant, warm hug.” The one-size-fits-all design, made from 100% polyester, combines a soft microfiber exterior with a luxurious, Sherpa-lined interior.

“We do think our product is special enough that it should have its own holiday,” Brian added. “It wraps the world in a big, warm, giant comfy hug and we love that people can experience that – especially in this day and age. We’re just coming out of the pandemic. It’s (National Comfy Day) is in February, in the middle of winter and it’s the coldest time of the year. It’s just the perfect time for someone to be wrapped up in some of our products.”

Aside from The Comfy Original, the company offers a variety of lines, including The Comfy College, featuring schools such as The University of Arizona and The University of Florida, The Comfy Characters, with cartoon-themed blankets like Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse, and The Comfy Jr. The blankets range from roughly $40 to $70. A quarter-zip option is also available, as well as slipper socks.

“It’s not just a product, it’s a lifestyle. It’s the ultimate work-from-home uniform,” Michael expressed. “We were the first ones to come out with a truly wearable blanket that is closable in the back. In terms of competitors, every single one is a rip off or knock off. Ours is patented and we protect our product very heavily.”

His brother, Brian, echoed these sentiments and said the brand has seen an

Roughly 20,000 to 25,000 attendees visit Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival. (Photo courtesy of

Thunderbird Artists)

FESTIVAL From Page 13

walk, look at the art while you hear the music and then by the time your glass is empty, there’s another station and you can fill it again,” she said.

“They are samples, so they try to bring more specialty wines and even the beer that you’re not going to be able to get as readily available. It’s something different that hopefully people haven’t tried before.”

Food and coffee trucks will help pad stomachs in between tastings or for those under 21 to enjoy. Then there will also be snacks and treats like kettle corn, Mr. Nelson’s cookies, Carolina’s Chocolate, Untamed Confections and locally grown honey.

Colter said bands will play at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion and throughout the gardens. The lineup includes the jazz ensemble Afterglow; Vibhas Kendzia, who plays instrumental music with the Native American flute and other pieces; classic guitarist Chuck Hall; and Carefree local Henry Molder, who plays traditional favorites on the Native American flute.

The festival, held in the heart of Carefree, also gives out-of-town visitors a chance to experience the town.

“It’s in the Downtown area, so you can see the world-famous sundial as well as walk through the Carefree Gardens, which have indigenous cactus species. There’s a little walk-through garden trail there,” Austin said. “And it does close the streets. So, in addition to walking through the art, there’s also the shops, restaurants and galleries to keep the small-town feel of things. People can visit the tourist shops and see the art and kind of take in all that is Carefree.”

This is the Thunderbird Artists’ 27th year hosting the spring festival, but Colter said it has been hosting events in Carefree for 30 years. She said the Spring Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival has been successful, despite pandemic-dictated adjustments.

The festival has repeatedly been named the Best Annual Art Festival by The Foothills Focus’ sister publication, North Valley Magazine, and ranked in the top 100 shows by the Art Fair Source Book for several years.

Colter said this is due, in part, to the beauty of Carefree. She said roughly 20 to 25,000 people come to the festival to experience the wonderful March weather and beautiful desert atmosphere in town.

“It’s just a beautiful event,” Colter said.

Carefree Spring Fine Art and Wine Festival

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 20 WHERE: Carefree Desert Gardens 101 Easy Street Carefree COST: $3 for general admission (cash only), $15 for wine tasting ticket and souvenir glass INFO: thunderbirdartists.com

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COMFY From Page 14

uptick in purchases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everyone wants to be at home and be warm and comfy, and since it’s a wearable blanket, it allows you to get that warmth and comfort,” Brian said.

The “Shark Tank” success story stems from humble beginnings, however.

The brothers created Cozy Comfort Company LLC, in April 2017 while Michael was staying at Brian’s house during a time of turmoil.

“I was going through a tough time and a divorce, so my brother let me stay at his house,” recalled Michael, who ran a pool cleaning and repair business.

“One morning I got up and walked out of the living room, and my brother’s 7-year-old son, Saxon, was sitting on the couch. He was wearing one of my brother’s old hoodies, just a big sweatshirt from his dad, and he had his knees pulled in and the hood on. He was just bummed up sitting there on the iPad. We locked eyes and I said, ‘Wow, you look so warm and comfy,’ and the idea popped into my head right there.”

The brothers were soon invited to pitch their product on “Shark Tank” in Denver in May.

“I’m most proud of the fact that we went for it, whether we succeeded or not, we took action. That’s where everybody gets bogged down and that was not going to happen to us,” said Brian, who helms a TV production company. “We were not going to be the ones to have a great idea and were too scared to take action on it.”

While the dynamic duo expressed that “Shark Tank” has been great for business, it has not been the be-all-end-all.

Brian attributes the brand’s longevity to the sibling’s chemistry and bubbly social media presence. Videos of the founders demonstrating The Comfy quickly went viral, “to the tune of more than 100 million video views,” about a month after the show aired.

In 10 days, the product sold into more than 70 countries and was backordered for more than five months. Now, Michael and Brian are turning their attention toward transforming The Comfy into a fully fleshed out lifestyle brand.

“We truly want to turn The Comfy into a worldwide lifestyle brand, starting with our core product of The Comfy Original and moving it into all aspects of comfort, whether it’s normal blankets, bedding or anything that is comfortable,” Michael said.

Cave Creek brothers Michael, left, and Brian, right, Speciale sell their wearable blankets in over 100

countries through 5,000 retailers. (Photo courtesy of the Speciales)

The Comfy

thecomfy.com

CAVE CREEK

e Foothills Focus publishes on Wednesday. e weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofi t groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Foothills Focus coverage area. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the Foothills Focus circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our offi ce by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@ timespublications.com.

Craft N Chat

MONDAYS

Those who knit or crochet are invited to the Desert Foothills Library for Craft N Chat. New crafters and experienced ones are welcome to join.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free, dfla.org

Free Couples Dance Lessons

THURSDAYS

Learn how to line dance to country music with significant others, friends or alone Thursdays in April.

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7 to 10 p.m., free, buffalochipsaloon.com

Yoga Fusion

THURSDAYS

Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercising and then go through different types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa or the Flow yoga.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org

Carefree Farmers Market

FRIDAYS

Vendors from around Carefree and the Valley head to the Farmers Market to sell goods like fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers. They also sell local jams, jelly, honey and salsas.

Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission, carefree.org

Carefree Third Thursday Art Night

MARCH 17

Join Carefree every third Thursday of the month to celebrate local artists, shop and dine in Downtown Carefree. This is a self-guided event.

Downtown Carefree, 100 Easy Street, Carefree, 4 to 7 p.m., free, visitcarefree.com

St. Patrick’s Day Bash

MARCH 17

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish meals like corned beef and cabbage while drinking pints of green beer. Music by The Spirited Lads and the Crown Kings.

Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., prices vary, 480488-1906, haroldscorral.com

Nutrition Over 50

MARCH 18

Learn how the body changes with age nutritionally, discuss the nutritional tools to equip during this time, and create the best plan that can help better eating patterns and diet during Karen Cimaglia’s monthly seminar hosted by Desert Foothills Library.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., free, dfla.org

Cave Creek Rodeo

MARCH 19 TO MARCH 21, MARCH 25 TO MARCH 27

Visit Cave Creek for its annual rodeo for events like bull riding and line dancing. Rodeo proceeds are donated to nonprofits throughout the area. This event has a clear bag policy.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th Street, CaveCreek, various times, tickets start at $30, cavecreekrodeo.com

Perler Bead Crafternoon

MARCH 19

Bring the kids to the Desert Foothills Library for a Perler Bead extravaganza. Kids can create ladybugs, hearts and more with Perler Beads. Guardians can attend the Parenting 101 meeting while the kids craft.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., free, dfla.org

Spring Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival

MARCH 20 TO MARCH 22

Gather in Downtown Carefree for a three-day art extravaganza. Artists of various media display sculptures, stained glass pieces, etchings and paintings. Roam around town and visit the shops, restaurants and boutiques.

101 Easy Street, Carefree, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, visitcarefree.com

Miners’ Dinner

MARCH 22

The annual fundraiser features dinner, a silent auction and entertainment by balladeer Mike Ewing and a fashion parade by the Famous and Fabulous Cowgirls Historical Foundation.

Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, 4:30 to 8 p.m., $75, cavecreekmuseum.com

Karz for Kidz Car Show

MARCH 27

Geek out about cars at Karz for Kidz Car Show. All proceeds go to Carefree Kids, a program that ministers to kids through fun Bible classes and summer camps. It features live music, kids’ activities and concessions.

Carefree Church, 5025 E. Carefree Highway, Cave Creek, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, carefreechurch.com

Bike Week at The Hideaway Grill

APRIL 1 TO APRIL 10

Rally up the gang and head out to The Hideaway Grill for Bike Week in April. From Friday, April 1, to Sunday, April 10, listen to live music, play games and check out vendors.

The Hideaway, 6746 Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., free, hideaway-usa. com

Rock the District

ARPIL 2

Help raise funds for Cave Creek Unified School District during the Rock the District event this April. Special Guests include Izzy Mahoubi, Promise to Myself and The Bellwethers.

Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 6 to 10 p.m., tickets start at $20, haroldscorral.com

Carefree Classic Wheels and Wings Show

APRIL 2

At the second Carefree Classic Wheels and Wings Show, guests can admire vintage, antique and historical cars and planes. Registration is required online.

Sky Ranch Airport, 8302 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, carefreewheels-wings.com

Senior Market Day

APRIL 4

Every Monday, members of the community ages 55 and over are invited to join a community food sharing program, which includes items from the farmers market, healthy boxes and frozen meals.

Foothills Food Bank, 6038 E. Hidden Valley, Cave Creek, 10 a.m. to noon, free, carefreecavecreek.org

The AZ Gold Mining Experience

APRIL 9

Relive the lives of industrial working miners every month at the Cave Creek Museum. This outdoor nature walk includes learning about the stamp mill, tramway and the blacksmith shop.

Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., $7, cavecreekmuseum.org

Library Book Club

APRIL 26

The Desert Foothills Library focuses on a new book each month. It’s a great way to make friends and discover a new fave.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 School House Road, Cave Creek, 10 a.m. to noon, free, carefreecavecreek.org

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