Drag Bingo Comes to Cary
Cary, NC — Did I wander into a Rocky Horror showing? Nope, just a drag bingo game. Read more
Guide to Beer in Cary 2014
Cary, NC — Bring on the Beer! There are over 16 microbreweries right here in the Triangle with more in the works. Across Cary, we’ve scoped out 20 places to sample the suds for the 2014 Guide to Beer. Read more
New Park to be Named for Jack Smith
Cary, NC — The future community park at 9725 Penny Road now has an official name – Jack Smith Park – thanks to a unanimous vote by the Cary Town Council at their regular meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2014.
The Town Council’s action marks their colleague’s 25th year of service to the Cary community, a term that makes him the longest serving Council member on record as well as having been in office longer than any mayor in Cary’s history (even though Smith has never served as Mayor).
Other Cary elected officials with parks named for them include Fred G. Bond, Marla Dorrel, Robert V. Godbold, Harold D Ritter, and Thomas E. Brooks
Amenities in the Park
Located in southern Cary, the 50-acre Jack Smith Park was once home to the Bartley family farm. The new park will include the Town’s first spray ground, a major children’s play area, the Town’s second dog park, a climbing rock, picnic shelters, paved and unpaved trails, and an open lawn area. Upon completion, public art pieces by North Carolina artists will be installed near the play area, and will include whirligigs by folk artist Vollis Simpson and a grouping of sheep sculptures by William Moore. Funding for this project was approved by Cary voters in 2012 as part of the Community Investment Bonds referendum.
Groundbreaking
The community is invited to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jack Smith Park on Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m. Guests are asked to park at Oak Grove Elementary at 10401 Penny Road and take the complimentary C-Tran shuttles to and from the park site.
The Town of Cary currently has 30 parks, with several areas “landbanked” for future use including an area off Roberts Road in Western Cary and adjacent to the Cameron Pond neighborhood West of NC 55.
Link to view Park Site Plan.
Operation Medicine Drop this Saturday
Cary, NC– The Town of Cary will host its biannual Operation Medicine Drop on Saturday, September 27, 2014 as a chance for citizens to properly dispose of prescription, over-the-counter and expired medications, no questions asked. Read more
Cary Weekend: Moonlight Sculpture Tour and More
Cary, NC — Sunny skies and warmer weather should return to Cary this weekend, just in time for music, Dragon Boats, a couple of 5k’s and the Moonlight Sculpture Tour.
PCHS Hosts 7th Annual Marching Band Invitational
Cary, NC — Nineteen high school marching bands – that’s 1,700 students – will compete at Panther Creek’s 7th annual marching band competition on September 27, 2014. Read more
Guide to Cary Coffee Shops
Cary, NC — As an occasional barista, I am quite familiar with the delight and appreciation felt for a great cup of coffee or espresso. Apart from providing just this, many Cary coffee shops also offer organic or fair trade products, homemade goods, and cozy atmospheres. Find your complete guide below.
Dragon Boat Festival Coming to Cary
Cary, NC — Rowing meets Chinese culture in this ancient, hallowed race. The Dragon Boat Festival is coming to Cary on September 27, 2014.
Chinese Culture Fest
Labeling it an annual event, the nonprofit group, Asian Focus, is bringing an ancient Chinese Tradition to Koka Booth. The first Dragon Boat Festival will be held with rowing competitions, Asian foods, merchandise and dances.
The Race
In long, thin boats, 20 people are packed in and handed paddles. Their purpose? To row as fast as they can. Directed by one man on a rudder and kept in rhythm by a drummer, the racers compete against other boats to reach a finish line and claim first place. Corporate and competitive dragon boat teams from around the state will be coming to compete. Feel inclined to give the race a shot? Here is the registration site. Apart from supporting the community, the race is also a great way to get a work out in while having some fun. Above all else, this is a team building competition so if you want to put your ability to work with others to the test, this will be one of the best ways to do it.
Origin
Starting nearly 2,500 years ago in southern China, dragon boat races were held as a fertility rite, an event that was to bring a prosperous rice harvest and protection from illnesses. Emulating the battles of dragons, the Chinese deities of water, the races were held as homage to these bringers of prosperity.
An alternative origin suggested is the death of Qu Yuan, a Chinese poet. The poet drowned himself in the Miluo River despite the efforts of local villagers to save him. To protect his body from both fish and evil spirits, the villagers would beat drums and disturb the water with their paddles. From there on, the search for his body became a traditional race held on the anniversary of Qu Yuan’s death.
As a break from the usual hum drum of Cary life, I actually find myself looking forward to this. I doubt I’ll actually take part in the races (don’t think I could raise the money to get in, much less find twenty people to crew the thing) but it would be a welcome sight to watch. I’m curious as to what kind of food will be available, what cultural dances will presented, and what sort of knick-knacks can be picked up. Admission to the festival is free but beyond that… In any case, this is nothing short of novel. If nothing else, I definitely plan on checking it out.
Event Details
Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2014
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Cary, NC
Admission: Free
More info:
Recipe: Best Noodle Kugel Ever
Cary, NC — Happy New Year! For Jews, September 24, 2014 marks the start of the year 5,775 in the Jewish calendar. Read more
Cary Scavenger Hunt: Recap in Pictures
The 2014 Cary Scavenger Hunt Teams before they departed from Page-Walker on Sept 13
Cary, NC — CaryCitizen held the 5th annual Cary Scavenger Hunt Saturday September 13, 2014 and the rainy forecast did not dampen our spirits. An early call for a move to Town Hall made sure our booths and teams were dry for the afternoon festivities and awards. Read more