📘Two Tech GIANTS Are Coming Together in Cary!

Hey Cary, how is your week going?

Today’s issue of Cary Digest is a great one. Some fun and interesting town news plus plenty of ways to kill time during this week of full rain. But first, I have a quick question for you.

Have you ever gone to an event, restaurant, or other business after you read about it in Cary Digest? If you have a second, please let me know by answering this poll.

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

• SAS x Epic Games teaming up

• A spotlight on the SPCA of Wake County!

• New Catholic high school incoming

• A fun, popular downtown meetup is around the corner

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Tech Titans Team Up: SAS x Epic Games

Two of Cary’s largest tech companies, SAS and Epic Games, have partnered to bring advanced data analytics and 3D visualization together. Using Epic’s Unreal Engine, SAS is building “digital twins” of real-world systems that allow businesses to simulate operations before making changes. One early example is Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill, where a detailed virtual model helps optimize the movement of automated guided vehicles, improving both safety and efficiency.

While manufacturing is the initial focus, the potential goes much further. SAS sees applications in healthcare, urban planning, and other data-heavy fields where complex systems benefit from being visualized clearly.

The idea is to move from spreadsheets and static charts to fully interactive environments, which can help train a new generation of workers and improve decision-making across industries.

A Message from Hello Simplified Professional Organizing!

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Hello Simplified’s Services Include:

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Ready to love your home again? Start with a complimentary consultation and get their Organizing Guide to learn more about how professional organizing can transform your life.

P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Charity of the Week: The SPCA of Wake County!

The SPCA of Wake County, based in Raleigh, is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people through protection, care, education, and adoption. Since its founding in 1967, the organization has been committed to creating a humane community where every adoptable animal has a home. Operating independently without government funding, the SPCA relies entirely on community support to sustain its programs.

Each year, the SPCA rescues and rehomes thousands of animals, many from under-resourced shelters across North Carolina. Their services extend beyond adoption, offering spay/neuter assistance, pet behavior resources, and the AniMeals program, which delivers pet food to home-bound seniors, ensuring they can keep their beloved companions. Recognized for its transparency and effectiveness, the SPCA has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

To support their mission, consider volunteering, fostering, or donating. Visit spcawake.org for more information on how you can make a difference.

Town Updates

New Catholic High School in Cary

The Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, in collaboration with Cardinal Gibbons High School, has announced plans to open a new Catholic high school in Cary by 2028. This will be the third Catholic high school in the region, reflecting a growing demand for faith-based education in the area. The school's name has not yet been decided and will be selected in partnership with the Diocese.

This initiative comes as North Carolina experiences a rise in its Catholic population, driven by an influx of residents from other parts of the country and a growing Hispanic community. The new high school aims to provide additional educational opportunities for families seeking a Catholic education in the rapidly expanding Triangle region.

Community Events

Heart of Cary Meetup at Tiki Brewing

Looking to connect with neighbors and hear what’s happening in downtown Cary? Swing by Tiki Brewing this Thursday, May 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM for a casual evening hosted by The Heart of Cary Association.

It’s an open invite, so grab a drink, chat with locals, and stay in the loop on the latest downtown updates—all in a laid-back setting at 232 E Chatham St. No RSVP needed. Just show up.

🎉 Free Events

Cary Downtown Farmers Market (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 200 E. Park St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Weekly market with local produce, meats, and artisan goods.

Cary Night Market (More info)
Time: Fri, May 16 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Night market with local vendors, food trucks, and live music.

CaryLive! Concert – Flowmingos (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Academy Plaza, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Free outdoor concert with indie-pop band Flowmingos.

Ivey-Ellington House Ribbon Cutting (More info)
Time: Sun, May 18 @ 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 308 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Tour the newly restored historic Gothic cottage in downtown Cary.

🍻 21+ Events

Trivia Night at Fortnight Brewing (More info)
Time: Mon, May 19 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing, 1006 SW Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Weekly pub trivia with craft beer and prizes.

Music Bingo at Fortnight Brewing (More info)
Time: Thu, May 15 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing, 1006 SW Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Play music-themed bingo while enjoying pints.

Downtown Cary Girls’ Night Out (Tickets)
Time: Wed, May 14 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Starts at Cary Gallery of Artists, 200 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Sip and shop downtown boutiques with wine, snacks, and a raffle.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly

Wheels on Academy (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 316 N. Academy St., Cary, NC 27513
Description: Annual car show with classics, hot rods, and EVs.

Kids Night Out – “Under the Sea” Wood Art (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Color Me Mine, Waverly Place, 316 Colonades Way, Cary, NC 27518
Description: Drop-off kids’ art night with ocean-themed wood painting.

🎬 Film

Lilly (Tickets)
Time: Wed, May 14 @ 2:00 PM (additional showings May 15, 16, 18)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: True story of Lilly Ledbetter’s equal pay fight.

We Were Dangerous (Tickets)
Time: Wed, May 14 @ 7:00 PM (additional showings May 16, 18)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Drama about teenage girls rebelling in a 1950s reform school.

A Nice Indian Boy (Tickets)
Time: Fri, May 16 @ 8:00 PM (also showing May 17, 18)
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Romantic comedy about culture, family, and identity.

The Big Lebowski – Throwback Movie Party (Tickets)
Time: Thu, May 15 @ 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Cult classic film screening with themed pre-show and activities.

🎭 Theater & Performances

Comedy: Tony Deyo with Paul Snyder (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Stand-up comedy by a Conan-featured comic and opener.

Really Terrible Orchestra – “Pleasant Weather, Terrible Tunes” (More info)
Time: Wed, May 14 @ 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Lovably bad orchestra performs with humor and heart.

Cary Town Band – “Women Who Create Music” (More info)
Time: Fri, May 16 @ 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Community band concert featuring works by women composers.

Triangle Youth Jazz – Spring Concert (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Youth jazz bands perform classic and contemporary tunes.

Alzheimer’s Stories – Concert (More info)
Time: Sat, May 17 @ 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Westwood Baptist Church, 200 Westhigh St., Cary, NC 27513
Description: Choral performance about memory, love, and Alzheimer’s.

🎓 Workshops & Classes

Verse-Chorus: Songwriting Workshop (More info)
Time: Sat–Sun, May 17–18 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (Suite 230), 122 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Two-day beginner-friendly songwriting class.

Love Letter to NC Strawberries – Cooking Class (More info)
Time: Fri, May 16 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Home for Entertaining, 119 W. Park St., Cary, NC 27511
Description: Hands-on class with strawberry-based seasonal recipes.

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