📘This Craft Brewery is BANKRUPT

Happy Friday Cary!

I hope your plans didn’t get rained out today, but it’s looking like a nicer weekend is in store for us. There’s a ton of news this week, everything from business updates to a new EMS hub that you’re going to want to hear about.

There’s also a ton of fun and free events this weekend for couples, families, or even the kids. I’ve also got a new poll for you, so I’d appreciate it if you gave it a look!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cotton House files for bankruptcy

• A new EMS hub in Cary!

• Some movie-centric events this weekend

• An important charity spotlight!

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Local Brewery Files for Bankruptcy but Stays Open

Cotton House Craft Brewers, a beloved downtown Cary brewery, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but plans to keep its doors open. The brewery, located at 307 S. Academy St., cited failed expansion projects as the primary cause of financial strain. Founder Brent Webb remains optimistic, stating, "We're going to go through this and come out through the other side."

The financial troubles began with the opening of Salt, a restaurant in Cary’s MacGregor Village, and the associated Craft Concepts Kitchen catering operation. Both ventures closed due to partnership issues, leaving the company with significant debt. Additionally, the Triangle Beer Co. location, acquired in 2020 and opened in 2021, was closed in October 2023. ​

Despite these setbacks, Cotton House continues to operate with eight employees and is exploring new projects to revitalize the business. Webb emphasized the brewery's commitment to its patrons and the community, expressing gratitude for their ongoing support. ​

Sponsored By Aidan Marie Jewelry!

Celebrate Easter With Timeless Beauty

Looking for a meaningful Easter gift? Aidan Marie Jewelry has a stunning collection of crosses and elegant faith-inspired pieces, perfect for the season. Whether you’re marking a special moment or just want something beautiful to wear, their handpicked collection offers heirloom-worthy quality with a personal touch.

Stop by 3434 Kildaire Farm Rd, Suite 122 to browse their Easter display and find the perfect piece for you or a loved one. Great jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s a reflection of what matters most.

🎨 Charity of the Week: DJ Svoboda & the World of Imagiville

This Autism Awareness Month, we’re shining a spotlight on DJ Svoboda—a nationally recognized autistic artist, author, and speaker who’s built an entire world of inclusion, imagination, and kindness through his colorful characters, the Imagifriends, and his heartfelt storytelling in Imagiville.

To celebrate the release of his brand-new children’s book, “Starfish Friend’s Day at the Beach,” DJ is hosting two special live reading events you won’t want to miss:

🗓️ Saturday, April 19 | 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Ruckus Pizza – Covered Patio
1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville

🗓️ Sunday, April 27 | 2 PM – 4 PM
📍 Ruckus Pizza – Covered Patio
8111 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary

DJ will read the book aloud with a full-screen ebook projection, followed by a book signing and merch sale featuring his unique Imagiville art.

It’s the perfect outing for families and a powerful way to support an artist whose life and work are all about embracing differences. After losing his mother last year, DJ continues to navigate life independently, using his creativity to inspire and connect. This book launch isn’t just a celebration: it’s a lifeline.

Let’s come together and show up for DJ, for Autism Awareness Month, and for the message that everyone belongs.

If this is something that you are passionate about, DJ and his friends would love to know how you can work together to make a meaningful impact during Autism Awareness Month.

Town Updates

Coming Soon: Cary’s New EMS Hub!

Big news—Wake County has approved the Cary Main EMS Station at 819 Kildaire Farm Road! Construction kicks off in spring 2025 and wraps by spring 2026.

This high-tech hub will deploy advanced paramedic units, ambulances, and include training spaces, offices, and even EV charging and solar power.

It’s a major upgrade for emergency response in western Wake.

Community Events

🐾 Bonus Cause: 12th Annual Spring Fling – Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Hosted by Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store, the Spring Fling is back for its 12th year—and it’s the ultimate pet-friendly party with a purpose.

🐾 When:
Sunday, April 13th, 12-6 PM
Where: Visit K9SpringFling.com for event location and updates!

🌟 Highlights Include:
• Local vendors & rescue groups
• Doggie Easter Egg Hunt – Grand Prize: 1 YEAR of FREE pet food!
• Raffles, food trucks, bounce house, live music
• Lots of adoptable pets looking for forever homes

🎟️ Entry is FREE, but donations from the Egg Hunt and raffles go directly to local animal rescues.

Bring the whole family (pups too!) and help raise funds for animals in need.

🎬 Movie Night at the Park: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Join Cary Friday at Downtown Cary Park’s Great Lawn Pavilion for a food-filled flick before Saturday’s Pimento Cheese Festival!

🍿 Pre-screening activities kick off at 6 p.m.
🎥 Movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by The Cary Theater, this animated favorite follows quirky inventor Flint Lockwood as he accidentally creates a machine that makes food fall from the sky—with wild and delicious consequences. It's fun, heartwarming, and perfect for the whole family!

Tacos ‘N’ Taps Is Coming to Cary!

This Saturday at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, starting at noon — it’s the ultimate Beer and Tequila Festival!

🍻 Unlimited sips of 60+ craft beers, tequilas, mezcals, and margaritas (souvenir glass included)
🌮 30+ taco varieties from top local spots starting at just $3
🎶 Live Mariachi + local bands, lawn games, shopping, and spicy contests

Bring your appetite, your thirst, and your party spirit!

Tickets Now Live: 2025 NCAA DII Baseball Championship!

From May 30 to June 7, the top eight Division II baseball teams in the country will battle it out right here in Cary at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. This is the 15th year Cary is hosting—come be part of the action!

Things to Do This Weekend

Free Events

Movie Night: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• Time: Fri, Apr 11 – Pre-show 6:00 PM, Movie 7:30 PM
• Location: Downtown Cary Park
• Description: Free outdoor screening of the animated favorite ahead of the Pimento Cheese Festival. Enjoy food trucks and family activities. Bring a blanket or chair.

Cary Downtown Farmers Market
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 8:00 AM
• Location: Perfect Piece Parking Lot (200 E. Chatham St.)
• Description: Shop local produce, food, and artisan goods. Family-friendly with kids' programs like Eat-A-Rainbow and SNAP/EBT matching.

Carpenter Community Garden Open House
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 9:00 AM
• Location: Carpenter Park Community Garden
• Description: Tours, kids' activities, and tips on home gardening, pollinators, and rain gardens. Free and open to all.

Festivals & Events 🎉

2025 Pimento Cheese Festival
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 11:00 AM
• Location: Downtown Cary Park
• Description: The only pimento cheese fest in the U.S.! Try wild food creations, enjoy live performances, and explore fun activities.

Tacos ‘N’ Taps Festival
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 12:00 PM
• Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Description: Unlimited tastings of craft beer, tequila, and tacos from 30+ vendors. Live music, games, contests, and margarita bars.

Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap
• Time: Mon, Apr 14 @ 2:00 PM
• Location: Downtown Cary Park – Academy Pavilion
• Description: Puzzle swap and casual puzzling with fellow enthusiasts. Family-friendly and perfect for puzzle lovers.

Film 🎬

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
• Time: Fri, Apr 11 @ 2:00 PM • Sun, Apr 13 @ 12:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
• Description: Inspiring doc about the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and her legacy. Not Rated.

Bob Trevino Likes It
• Time: Fri, Apr 11 @ 5:00 PM • Sun, Apr 13 @ 6:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater
• Description: A heartfelt story about unlikely family and internet connections. Rated PG-13.

Suze
• Time: Fri, Apr 11 @ 8:00 PM • Sun, Apr 13 @ 3:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater
• Description: A single mom rediscovers purpose by bonding with her daughter’s ex. Not Rated.

High Fidelity
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 2:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater
• Description: Classic rom-com about music, heartbreak, and growing up. Rated R.

Empire Records
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 5:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater
• Description: '90s cult favorite set in a record store fighting for independence. Rated PG-13.

Stop Making Sense
• Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 8:00 PM
• Location: The Cary Theater
• Description: Iconic Talking Heads concert film, newly restored. Rated PG.

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