📘Help Shape Cary + Memorial Day Details Inside

Happy Tuesday, Cary.

Fun local events, new food, and markets are beginning to populate the Cary calendar now that we’re deep into spring. If you’re already thinking about weekend plans, check the bottom of this email!

Now grab your coffee and get updated with everything going on in Cary this week.

Here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Wake County park plans for Cary

• ️Memorial Day Closures & Changes

• Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner

• Great Southeast Pollinator Census

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🌳 Help Shape Cary’s Parks

Wake County wants your opinion on the future of parks, trails, and green spaces — and now’s your chance to speak up.

They're creating a long-term master plan and asking residents what you want to see more of: bike paths, nature preserves, splash pads, pickleball courts? Whatever it is, this is the time to help shape the next decade of outdoor life in Cary.

Read more here: https://www.wake.gov/news/wake-county-invites-residents-imagine-future-parks-preserves-and-open-spaces

A Message from Hello Simplified Professional Organizing!

Declutter, Settle In, and Breathe Again

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter—or by life? Whether you're settling into a new home, preparing for a big change, or just tired of chaotic closets and overflowing drawers, Hello Simplified is here to help.

Local to Cary, they’re a professional organizing team based in the Triangle, and they specialize in creating calm, functional homes through:

• Unpacking & Home Setup – Skip the stress. They’ll handle the unpacking so you can actually enjoy your new place.

• Decluttering & Organizing – Closets, kitchens, garages—they’ll help you take back your space (and your sanity).

• Support Through Life Transitions – From downsizing to growing families to empty nesting, they make the shift feel easier.

Want to see what working with a professional organizer really looks like?
Download their organizing guide to get a clear idea of how they can help you let go of clutter, simplify your home, and feel more in control.

Charity of the Week: InterAct!

Established in 1978 as Wake County Child Abuse Prevention Services, InterAct has evolved into the sole provider of comprehensive services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Wake County, North Carolina. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse by saving lives, rebuilding lives, and securing safer futures for individuals and families. In 2009, InterAct opened the Family Safety & Empowerment Center in Raleigh, creating a centralized hub for crisis intervention, support, and advocacy services.

How You Can Help:

• Donate Goods: Contribute clothing, hygiene products, and household items to support families in need.

• Financial Contributions: Make a one-time or recurring donation to fund InterAct's programs and services.

• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills in various roles, from administrative support to direct client assistance.

• Host an Event: Organize fundraising events or awareness campaigns in your community.

• Shop at Pass It On Thrift Store: Proceeds from purchases support InterAct's mission.

For more information or to get involved, visit interactofwake.org.

Town Updates

🏛️Memorial Day Closures & Changes

Heads up, Cary — most town facilities will be closed on Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

• Town Hall, community centers, Cary Arts Center, and more will close May 23 at 5 PM and reopen May 27.

• Cary Theater will be closed May 24–26.

• GoCary will run on a Sunday schedule (7 AM–9 PM) with Tier 1 Door-to-Door only.

• Curbside collection (trash, recycling, yard waste) will be delayed by 1 day all week.

• Field of Flags will be on display at Veterans Freedom Park all week.

🔥 Grilling this weekend? You can schedule a free pickup of used cooking oil. Just pour it (cooled) into a sealed, labeled plastic container and head to carync.gov/311.

🇺🇸 Don’t miss the Memorial Day Remembrance
📍 Veterans Freedom Park | 🕝 Monday, May 26 @ 2:30–3:30 PM
Patriotic ceremony, ADA-accessible shuttles from Cary Academy, and community tributes to our fallen service members.
More info: carync.gov/memorialday

Community Events

🕵️‍♀️ Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner

The Murder Mystery Dinner Party – Great Gatsby Edition
📍 Sophie’s Grill & Bar (2734 NC-55, Cary)
🕖 Date & Time: [Add specific time if available]
🎩 Presented by Tailored Suits Entertainment

Step into the roaring '20s for a glamorous night of intrigue, cocktails, and clues. This interactive murder mystery dinner turns guests into suspects—so dress to impress, trust no one, and solve the case before dessert.

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1232923975124854

🐝Great Southeast Pollinator Census

2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census
📍 Various Locations – See full details for times and places
🗓️ Duration: 2 days
🌱 Hosted by Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County

Become a citizen scientist and help protect pollinators! Spend just 15 minutes counting bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects while learning how to support pollinator health in your own backyard.

More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/738498695419607/

Things to Do This Week

🆓Free Events

Live at Lunch: Jared Place ([More info])
Time: Thu, May 22 @ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: Lunchtime acoustic concert from a soulful local singer-songwriter on the park plaza.
https://downtowncarync.org/event/live-at-lunch-jared-place/

Trivia Night at The Bark Bar ([More info])
Time: Thu, May 22 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bark Bar at Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: Dog-friendly trivia night with drinks and prizes, hosted by Hammered Trivia.
https://downtowncarync.org/event/trivia-night-at-the-bark-bar-2/

Big Top Circus Band ([More info])
Time: Sat, May 24 @ 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: 20-piece circus band playing upbeat marches and classic big top tunes in a family-friendly setting.
https://downtowncarync.org/event/big-top-circus-band/

Memorial Day Remembrance ([More info])
Time: Mon, May 26 @ 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Veterans Freedom Park (1513 N. Harrison Ave.)
Description: Patriotic ceremony honoring fallen military members with music, speakers, and reflection.
https://www.visitraleigh.com/event/cary-memorial-day-remembrance-2025/97129/

🎬Film

We Were Dangerous ([More info])
Time: Wed, May 21 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Rebellious teen girls escape a 1950s New Zealand reform school in this bold indie drama.
https://thecarytheater.com/event/we-were-dangerous-4/the-cary/cary/

A Nice Indian Boy ([More info])
Time: Wed, May 21 @ 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: A heartfelt rom-com about culture clash and wedding drama in an Indian-American family.
https://thecarytheater.com/event/a-nice-indian-boy-2/the-cary/cary/

The Ballad of Wallis Island ([More info])
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: A lottery winner hosts a reunion concert for his favorite band on a remote island.
https://thecarytheater.com/event/the-ballad-of-wallis-island/the-cary/cary/

Breaking Away ([More info])
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Classic coming-of-age bike-racing drama set in small-town Indiana.
https://thecarytheater.com/event/breaking-away/the-cary/cary/

🎵 Music

Jared Benjamin Live ([More info])
Time: Thu, May 22 @ 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Upbeat acoustic set with honest lyrics and energetic folk-rock vibes.
https://thecarytheater.com/event/thursday-night-music-club-jared-benjamin/the-cary/cary/

🧩Other Events

Movie Night: Moana 2 ([More info])
Time: Fri, May 23 @ 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St.)
Description: Free outdoor screening of Moana 2 with crafts, games, and a sing-along with Moana.
https://www.thrivinginraleigh.com/events/movie-night-moana-2-cary-nc

Downtown Cary Treasure Hunt ([More info])
Time: Sun, May 25 @ 2:00 PM
Location: Cotton House Craft Brewers (307 S. Academy St.)
Description: A 60-minute team scavenger hunt through downtown Cary with a prize-filled treasure chest.
https://thetriangleweekender.com/event/downtown-cary-treasure-hunt-walking-team-scavenger-hunt-at-cotton-house-craft-brewers/2025-05-25/

NC Beer Mile ([More info])
Time: Thu, May 22 @ 6:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Company (202 E. Cedar St.)
Description: A 21+ brewery race combining four beers with four quarter-mile laps — fastest time wins!
https://fsseries.com/event/nc-beer-mile/

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