The 55-year-old Cave Creek Museum has shared the town’s history through weathered timbers, rescued cabins, and the stories of miners, artists, soldiers and settlers who shaped the Desert Foothills.
While the museum secures grants for many of its programs — especially those serving children — funding for day-to-day operations is harder to come by.
Sixteen years ago, the Miners’ Dinner was founded to support the museum’s mining campus — a rugged, hands-on tribute to the prospectors who once searched the hills for gold and silver. Volunteers and staff have since reimagined this fundraiser; it’s set for 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at a larger location, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.
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Harold’s is the perfect fit, according to JoAnn Stuckey, executive director of Cave Creek Museum.
“We have decades of Harold’s history in our archives, and the partnership feels natural,” she said. “They were tickled pink to have us,” the organizer said. “And honestly — who doesn’t love Harold’s?”
With room for up to 1,000 guests, the museum hopes to draw at least 200 attendees this year. Valet parking will be available.
Local musician Kevin Causey will provide music and serve as emcee. Western artist and historian Bob Boze Bell — known for his outgoing personality and ability to “talk to a post” — will mingle with guests and donate a painting to the raffle.
Also appearing is a costumed “authentic faux miner” from Six Gun Entertainment, who will roam the crowd, theatrically “stealing wives and girlfriends.” Performers from Desert Foothills Theater will chat with guests.
The buffet dinner will feature a carving station, grilled chicken, sides and a vegetarian option. Drinks will be available at Harold’s bar. The raffle and auction lineup features three getaway packages: A three-night stay Bella Sirena in Puerto Penasco; a two-night stay at the Prickly Pear Inn in Cave Creek; and a two-night stay at Spur Cross Inn B&B, overlooking the mountains and conservation area.
Cave Creek was filled with cowboys who shaped Arizona’s cattle ranching history, people who learned how to grow basic food needs in the Sonoran Desert, and gold-seekers who left a lasting mining legacy. The museum features rotating exhibits and displays, with regular presentations on topics like Black Mountain.
“We have what we have because of the people and occurrences that made our town grow and thrive,” Stuckey said. “What would we know if it weren’t for museums? Cave Creek is a beautiful small town with a rich history dating back to 700 A.D.
“We tell the stories of those who visited the land and found ways to irrigate for crops and build remarkable houses. The truth is the people who came to Arizona before us did so because of our unique environment. Only a local museum like ours can share the history and stories.”
Information: cavecreekmuseum.org
