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📘Make Sure Your Vote Got Counted

📘Make Sure Your Vote Got Counted

Plus: Want to try this ramen place?

Jake
April 08, 2025

Hi Cary, happy Tuesday.

This week is going to be a stormy one, but it looks like we may just see some sunshine today and tomorrow, so enjoy it while you can!

Today’s issue is packed with a big news update, some fun events and pop-up markets this week, as well as an awesome restaurant feature that I’m really excited about.

So without further ado, let’s see what we can expect in Today’s issue:

The Pimento Cheese Festival is right around the corner
NC Supreme Court Election Update
A plant sale to support a high school
Amazing ramen

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Over 65,000 Votes Threatened

Regardless of how you voted last November, there’s a chance your vote is going to get thrown out, despite showing valid ID.

A new ruling from the North Carolina Court of Appeals just brought a highly contested 2024 state Supreme Court race back into the spotlight—and it could cost over 65,000 voters their ballots.

Here’s the situation: Candidate Jefferson Griffin challenged votes from thousands of North Carolinians, arguing that many lacked proper ID or were overseas voters missing required documents. The appeals court, which is controlled by his party sided with him. Now, unless those voters prove their eligibility within 15 business days, their votes won’t be counted. This could be you, and you can check to see if your vote was accepted or not here: https://terrymah.github.io/challenge/

This is a massive deal. A full recount showed Allison Riggs leading Griffin by just 734 votes. Riggs is appealing, calling the ruling an “attempt to alter the outcome” and disenfranchise voters. Griffin’s team is celebrating, calling it “a win for the citizens.”

This case could land at the state Supreme Court—which is, ironically, the exact seat they’re fighting over.

Restaurant of the Week: Koi Ramen!🍜

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of ramen without flying to Tokyo, Koi Ramen in Cary is worth your attention. Tucked into a modest strip mall, this spot delivers serious flavor without the big-city fuss.

What to try: The Tonkotsu Ramen, made with a rich pork bone broth and topped with sliced pork belly, soft egg, mushrooms, and scallions
For spice lovers: The Spicy Miso adds a satisfying kick without overpowering the dish
Other favorites: Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), pork gyoza, and the house-made matcha cheesecake
Atmosphere: Casual and relaxed, with counter service and a loyal local following
Pricing: Reasonable—great value for the quality

Koi Ramen is a no-frills, flavor-first spot that’s quickly becoming a staple in Cary’s dining scene. If you haven’t been yet, it’s time.

It’s one of my favorite Ramen spots in all of the Triangle, and I can’t believe I didn’t try it out sooner!

Community Events

🍞 Pimento Cheese Festival Returns to Downtown Cary

When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Cary Park

Love it or hate it, pimento cheese is getting the spotlight it deserves, and Cary is hosting the only festival in the country dedicated to it.

This annual event brings together local restaurants, food trucks, and artisans to put their own spin on the Southern classic. Expect everything from classic pimento cheese sandwiches to deep-fried creations, cheesy desserts, and even a sculpting contest (yes, with actual pimento cheese).

Beyond the food, there’s live music, family-friendly activities, a kid zone, and local breweries on site. It’s a lively, laid-back way to enjoy spring in downtown Cary.

Admission: Free to attend. Food and drink available for purchase.
Tip: Come early! Crowds tend to build fast, especially if the weather’s nice.

Cary High Plant Sale!

If you're looking to add some color to your yard or kitchen garden, swing by the Cary High School Plant Sale on Thursday, April 18.

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Cary High School, 638 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511
Hosted by: Cary High FFA (Future Farmers of America)

What you'll find:

Begonias, petunias, and bedding plants
Fresh herbs and vegetables
Pollinator-friendly flowers
Hanging baskets and mixed pots

Prices range from $5 to $20 per plant. Note: Cash or check only—no cards accepted.

This is a great chance to support student growers and take home healthy, locally grown plants just in time for spring planting.

Follow Cary High FFA on Instagram for updates.

Things to Do This Week

Free Events

Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt

Time: Sun, Apr 13, 4:00–5:30 PM
Location: USA Baseball National Training Complex
Description: Free Easter egg hunt for kids ages 3–12, with games, entertainment, and photo ops. Egg hunt starts at 4:45 PM. Registration required.

Science in the Spillway

Time: Wed, Apr 9, 1:00–6:00 PM • Sat, Apr 12, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Bond Park Spillway (801 High House Rd)
Description: Part of the NC Science Festival. Explore nature through outdoor STEAM activities for all ages. Drop-in event, free to attend.

Trivia Night at Downtown Park Bark Bar

Time: Thu, Apr 10, 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park
Description: Free trivia event hosted by Hammered Trivia. Family- and dog-friendly. Enjoy drinks, prizes, and plenty of laughs.

Live at Lunch: Garland Mason

Time: Thu, Apr 10, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park
Description: Enjoy live acoustic music from award-winning NC singer Garland Mason. Bring lunch or grab food nearby.

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 family favorite. Food trucks on-site. Bring a blanket or chair.

Film 🎬

Becoming Led Zeppelin

Time: Wed, Apr 9 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Documentary about the iconic rock band's early years and rise to fame. Rated PG-13.

Bob Trevino Likes It

Time: Wed, Apr 9 @ 7:00 PM • Thu, Apr 10 @ 7:00 PM • Fri, Apr 11 @ 5:00 PM • Sun, Apr 13 @ 12:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: A heartfelt indie drama about finding unexpected family. Rated PG-13.

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: Documentary chronicling the life and music of the trailblazing singer-songwriter. Not Rated.

Suze

Time: Fri, Apr 11 @ 8:00 PM • Sun, Apr 13 @ 3:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Feel-good comedy-drama about an empty-nester who bonds with her daughter’s ex. Not Rated.

High Fidelity

Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Cult classic about music, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Starring John Cusack. Rated R.

Empire Records

Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 5:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: 90s teen favorite set in a record store trying to avoid corporate takeover. Rated PG-13.

Stop Making Sense

Time: Sat, Apr 12 @ 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Electrifying concert film featuring Talking Heads. Re-released by A24. Rated PG.

Music 🎵