In 2009, the Cary Town Council implemented the Hometown Spirit Award to honor Cary residents who enhance the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting and carrying out positive and quantifiable traditional small-town community values and traits as embodied in the following criteria:

• Helps out neighbors and fellow Cary residents
• Demonstrates hospitality
• Promotes and preserves traditional American past-times
• Shows a concern for preservation and works to preserve traditions and the small-town atmosphere in the community
• Promotes entrepreneurship through supporting locally-owned business
• Promotes a sense of community in their neighborhood and all of Cary
• Demonstrates patriotism through promotion and preservation of the country's symbols and dedication to the U.S. military, past and present
• Serves the community through business

View the 2009 nominations.

At the November 12, 2009 Town Council meeting, the council recognized all nominees and announced Alisa Wright Colopy as the 2009 Hometown Spirit Award recipient. 

The public is invited to attend the Town's holiday tree lighting on Saturday, December 5 at 6 p.m. on the grounds of Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy St. At the conclusion of the tree lighting event the council will host a reception in the lobby of Town Hall recognizing all the nominees and honoring Ms. Colopy as the award recipient. 

Criteria and Eligibility
Process