December

Mad Dash Babysitting (age 3-10)
Parents, take a night out for you! Let the Cary Teen Council entertain your children while you shop, go out for dinner or just enjoy a night on your own. The children will have a light dinner, play games, make a holiday ornament and help trim the tree! Pre-register at the Herb Young Community Center-Space is limited! Children must be potty trained! Registration fee made payable directly to the Cary Teen Council. For more information call (919) 460-4965.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center
Fees: $15 per child (additional $2 off for each child in the
same family: $13 second child, $11 third child, etc)
Fri Dec 5 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Heart of the Holidays
Kick off the season with a full day’s worth of holiday cheer on December 6, 2008 in historic Downtown Cary!
Santa’s Workshop Free!
(age 10 & under accompanied by an adult)
Cary Teen Council’s annual Christmas Celebration. Drop-in activity featuring Make It/Take It Holiday craft projects, light refreshments, and live entertainment by Cary Ballet Conservatory. Also, a special visitor from the NORTH POLE! While at Santa’s workshop, support the Cary Teen Council’s food drive by sending each child with 2 non-perishable food items or cash donation will be accepted. All contributions will be given to a local charity. There will be a 20 minute break from craft tables at 11am, so that everyone may enjoy the entertainment. For more information call (919) 460-4965.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center
Sat Dec 6 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Heart of Cary Association’s Ole Time Winter Festival
Celebrations begin with the Heart of Cary’s Old Time Winter Festival held on the streets of Downtown Cary. Festival goers can enjoy arts & crafts, entertainment, food, activities, and more. Santa will be there. Start (or finish) your holiday shopping!
Location: Downtown Cary; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Page-Walker Arts & History Center Holiday Open House
Get into the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas
experience at the Page-Walker’s Annual Holiday Open House. Learn about century-old holiday traditions while touring Cary’s own 1868 historic hotel. Sing Christmas carols around the piano. Enjoy holiday refreshments and view historic rooms decorated for the season by the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel. Fun for the whole family.
Location: Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Sat Dec 6 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Holiday Journeys – new works by the Cary Playwrights’ Forum
Come see a collection of new short works written by the Cary Playwrights’ Forum. These holiday-themed one acts are performed by talented local actors and will take you on journeys of imagination. Age 12 and up appropriate. Please RSVP to reserve a seat, HYPERLINK “mailto:rsvp@caryplaywrightsforum.org” rsvp@caryplaywrightsforum.org.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center; 3-5 p.m.

Official Tree Lighting Ceremony
The official tree lighting for the Town of Cary will be on this day as well. This community celebration of the season has become incredibly popular over the past years. It’s a wonderful time to bring your blanket and your loved-ones out to the Town Hall campus and welcome in the holiday season with your neighbors. This festive night features talented actors, singers, dancers, and musicians from our community onstage. Not only will the beautiful 30 foot cedar tree be illuminated for the first time in the season, but we’ll also unveil the “community tree” that will be inside at the Town Hall. All sorts of groups that serve our local community will be providing handcrafted ornaments to be displayed on the inside tree. Our Community Tree will truly be a representation of the diversity of Cary. For more information about any events in the Heart of the Holidays Celebration call (919) 469-4061.
Location: Town Hall Campus by the Town Tree; 6 p.m.

Cary Playwrights’ Forum FREE
Founded in February 2008, the Forum provides local and aspiring playwrights the opportunity to learn and hone their craft in a supportive and educational environment. Playwrights’ short plays or portions of their full-length plays may be performed in staged readings. Actors, upcoming directors, writers, and playwrights are welcome! No charge, although participants contribute toward script printing costs and refreshments for final staged reading. Sponsored by the Town of Cary and Cary Players. To sign up or for more information, visit the website at www.caryplaywrightsforum.org or email register@caryplaywrightsforum.org.
Location: Page Walker Arts & History Center
Mon Sep 8-Dec 1 7-9 p.m. (See Cary Players’ Web site for additional dates).
Rehearsals: Dec 2-5
Staged Reading: Sat Dec 6 3-6 p.m.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center

Cary Players Community Theatre presents a live radio drama of the holiday classic,
“It’s a Wonderful Life”!
Don’t miss this delightful rendition of the Frank Capra masterpiece. Arranged by Phil Grecian and presented in a 1940s style with period costumes, live sound effects and a large cast of clever actors, this is a special holiday outing for the entire family! Auditons will be October 13-15 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. For more information about auditions, tickets and the show, visit www.caryplayers.org for details.
Location: Cary Town Hall Council Chambers
Fri Dec 12 7:30 p.m.
Sat Dec 13 7:30 p.m.
Sun Dec 14 3 p.m.

14th Annual Cary Kwanzaa FREE
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world. Cary Kwanzaa is a communal, cultural celebration that honors African-American people and their heritage. Hear a special guest speaker, see performers, and participate in a community market. During Kwanzaa guests are invited to ponder the Nguzu Saba, or seven powerful principles derived from African heritage: Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Cary Kwanzaa is co-sponsored by the Ujima Group, Inc. and the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. For more information call (919) 460-4963.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center
Sat Dec. 27 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

January

Dia de los Reyes Parade and Estrella de la Esperanza Gift-Giving Celebration FREE
Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) is an important holiday celebration in Latino culture. In many Latino countries it is on this eve that gifts are exchanged for the holidays. Come celebrate el Día de los Reyes as the Magos (Magi) visit and bring joy to children in the community. Traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread and other holiday foods from various Latin American countries will be served as well as sharing in traditional songs, music and the “Desfile de los Reyes” (Three Kings Day Parade). The Magi will distribute gifts and food to low-income Latino kids and families previously identified through different state and local agencies. This event is co-sponsored by Diamante, Inc. and the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. All events are open to the public. For more information call (919) 460-4963 or visit www.diamanteinc.org. The parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. followed by activities at the Cary Senior Center.
Location: Bond Park/ Cary Senior Center
Sat Jan 3 2 p.m.

Hoop Shoot (age 8-13) FREE
Free throw contest co-sponsored with the Cary-Apex Elks Lodge #2798, for boys and girls ages 8-13. Winners qualify for subsequent competitions leading to a national championship. National Champions’ names will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Location: Bond Park Community Center
Sat Jan 10 1-4 p.m

MLK, Jr. Dreamfest 2009
Each year in January we recognize and celebrate the life, work and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK, Jr. Dreamfest 2009 is a series of events and activities planned as a means to educate, inspire and challenge us to create a welcoming, inclusive community that lives together in an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and understanding all year long. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force presents MLK, Jr. Dreamfest 2009 with support from the Town of Cary. For more information call (919) 460-4963. All events are free & open to the public except where stated.
Location: Various locations in Cary & Raleigh

February

Daddy-Daughter Dance (age 4-12)
Let your daughter’s first dance be a memorable one at this annual father-daughter event. The evening includes music from a local D.J., entertainment, and refreshments. To help your memories from this night last a lifetime, one 5 X 7 picture of the couple will be given to each daughter. Walk-in’s are not accepted for this event, so register early in person or by mail to ensure your spot for this popular event. Event photography begins at 5 p.m. with the dance beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, call (919) 462-3970.
Location: Cary Senior Center
Fees: $17(R) $22(N)
Sat Feb 7 6-9 p.m.

Count the Birds at KTP FREE
Gather at the shelter for bird walks as we identify birds by species and record the number of each that we see, then enjoy refreshments as we tally our results. Part of the national Great Backyard Bird Count. Presented by Kids Together. For info, kidstogether@nc.rr.com, www.kidstogethercary.org or call Marla Dorrel (919) 481-3180.
Location: Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park
Sat Feb 14 9-11 a.m.

11th Annual African-American Celebration FREE
Cary’s annual event celebrating African-American History. Visit exhibits of local art and artifacts, books, clothing and other items of interest. The celebration will also include entertainment and a cultural experience appropriate for the entire family. Refreshments available as well as children’s activities. The Ujima Group, Inc. presents this event with support from the Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. Open to the public. For further information call (919) 460-4963.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center
Sat Feb 21 11a.m.

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents “The Very Great Grandson of Sherlock Holmes” FREE
By Bill Majeski. This spoof of classic film noir finds young Sherwood (grandson of the master detective) reluctantly in the middle of a marvelously complex murder mystery! Featuring talented teens from Applause!’s Masters in Acting. Admission is free, but bring some extra cash for concessions! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Are you a teen who’d like to perform? Call (919) 465-4792 for more information.
Location: Cary Senior Center
Sat Feb 28 7 p.m.
Note: This production is intended for a teen audience. Please take this into account when attending with younger children.

March

Table Tennis Clinic and Exhibition (age 7 & up) FREE
This is a free clinic offered by the Cary Table Tennis Association for beginning players of all ages. Topics taught will be the forehand drive, backhand drive, forehand block, backhand block, underspin (backspin), topspin, footwork, strategies, and development of a plan to train and improve your performance. This clinic will take place before the start of a major 4-star national level table tennis tournament. For more information, call (919) 601-1914.
Location: Bond Park Community Center
Instructor: The Cary Table Tennis Association
Fri Mar 20 3-5 p.m.

Cary Cup Table Tennis Championship
The Cary Table Tennis Association (Cary TTA) and the Town of Cary host the seventh annual Cary Cup Table Tennis Championship, a nationally and internationally-recognized event. Some of the top table tennis athletes in the United States, Canada, Europe and South America will compete for prize money in largest round robin table tennis competition in the USA. For more information, call (919) 601-1914.
Location: Bond Park Community Center
Fri-Sun Mar 20-22

Annual Senior Health Fair (ages 55+) FREE
Join Resources for Seniors, Inc. and the Cary Senior Center for our annual Health Fair! Local health and wellness experts, health screenings, pharmacy consultations and more! Appointments required for some health screenings. Please register in advance. For more, call (919) 469-4081.
Location: Cary Senior Center Ballroom
Thu Mar 26 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kite Festival FREE
For kids of all ages, Bond Park’s 14th Annual Kite Festival is a fun way to spend the afternoon flying your kite. We will have an expert kite flyer on hand for stunt kite demonstrations. Certificates and special awards will be awarded in a variety of kite flying categories. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the fun begins at 1 p.m. Free and open to the public, call (919) 469-4100.
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Multipurpose Field
Sat Mar 28 1 p.m. Rain date: Sun Mar 29 1 p.m.

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents Improv Comedy Night
Laugh your way through funny, fast-paced skits and games – based on ideas the audience throws out - as our talented Improv Troupe presents Applause!’s 5th Improv Comedy Night! Admission is free, but bring some extra cash for concessions! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Are you a teen who’d like to perform? Call (919) 465-4792 for more information.
Location: Cary Senior Center
Sat Mar 28 7 p.m.

April

Cary Road Race
The 31st Annual Cary Road Race is co-sponsored by The Cary News and The Town of Cary. This family event includes a 5K, a 10K and a 1 mile Fun Run. Official times and places are published in the Cary News. Last year’s runners will be mailed registration forms. Registration forms will be available after February 2. On-line registration is also available at www.townofcary.org. For a registration form or to volunteer, call (919) 469-4363.
Location: Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park
Fee: Pre-registration: $10 recreational, $13 competitive
Race-Day: $12 recreational, $17 competitive
Sat Apr 4 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast with the Bunny
The Cary Teen Council sponsors Breakfast with the Bunny prior to Cary’s morning Egg Hunt! A delicious continental breakfast will be served and the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures/videos. Mom and Dad bring your cameras; you don’t want to miss this! Come early for the best parking! Pre-sale tickets are required – there will be no tickets sold the morning of the breakfast. Tickets go on sale Monday, March 3 at the Herbert C. Young Community Center. This is a Cary Teen Council Fundraiser – registration fee made payable directly to Cary Teen Council, account credits cannot be used to register for this event! For more information, call (919) 460-4965.
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Kiwanis Shelter
Sat Apr 4 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain date: Sun Apr 5 2-3 p.m. (Snack items will be served instead of breakfast items)
Tickets Required: Ages 10 and up: $4 each • Youth ages 3-9: $3 each • Under 2, FREE (pick up an “EAT FREE PASS” when you purchase your tickets)

Easter Egg Hunt (age 10 & under)
Children 10 years of age and under are invited to the Town of Cary’s 18th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This event features 3 hunt areas, each for a different age group. In order to better accommodate the large crowds our egg hunt attracts, and for those who would rather “sleep in”, an afternoon hunt is scheduled. After scouting the field for thousands of candy and toy eggs, join Woppo from Flow Circus in the Sertoma Amphitheatre for a wonderfully entertaining magic and juggling show. This show is loaded with laughs and audience participation and is guaranteed to be an exciting time for all. So bring your own Easter Basket and come early for good parking! For more, call (919) 469-4100.
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Fees: Free
Sat Apr 4 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Rain date: Sun Apr 5 1:30 p.m.

Kids Together Family Fun & Fitness Walk
Kids Together is combining fun and fundraising with a family fitness walk! Modeled after grown-up racing events, the KT Family Fun & Fitness Walk spans the 1.4 mile (round-trip) segment of the Hinshaw greenway, starting at Kids Together Playground and connecting with MacDonald Woods Park via the pedestrian bridge over US1& 64. Stations along the way provide a break, along with fun info and take-home surprises. Awards and refreshments await participants when they end the course, returning to Kids Together Playground. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Decorate your wheels or wear a funny hat and you just might win a prize! Bring your friends! Presented by Kids Together and the Town of Cary. For info, kidstogether@nc.rr.com, www.kidstogethercary.org or call Marla Dorrel (919)481-3180.
Location: Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park
Sat Apr 18 9:30 registration, walk 10-noon.

Swing Into Spring Dinner & Dancing
Want a nice night out? Need a babysitter? Join us for dinner by Coffee and Crepes then dance to Charlie Chiklis and the Moonlighters Big Band. Don’t leave the kids at home! Free on-site babysitting available for children age 3-10 courtesy of the Cary Teen Council (Children must be potty trained). Dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8 p.m. For more information, please call (919) 771-1295. Only interested in the concert? Please see the Concerts section of the brochure for ticket information to attend just the swing dance.
Location: Herbert C. Young Community Center
Fees: $60(R) $78(N) per couple
Sat Apr 18 7-10 p.m.
Babysitting (must register each child)
Fees: Free
Sat Apr 18 7-10 p.m.

Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival 2009
Enjoy the arts in the park with the 16th annual Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival! Featuring over 150 local artists, entertainment on four stages throughout the festival, Children’s Village, concessionaires with your favorite festival foods, and the beautiful, serene setting of Bond Park, this festival promises to be the best yet! New in 2009! Cary Performs will be held in conjunction with Spring Daze. Cary Performs celebrates and highlights local performing groups who will showcase their talents for the public. This year’s event will feature performances by Applause! Youth Theatre, Cary Players, Cary Ballet, Concert Singers of Cary, Philharmonic Association, Triangle Wind Ensemble, and Triangle Brass Band. Celebrate Earth Day at Spring Daze, too! Exhibits will provide information on the role you can play in preserving our natural resources and protecting the environment. The whole family will enjoy the hands-on activities and games that will show you how you can make every day Earth Day. Free and open to the public. Call (919) 469-4061 for more information.
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Sat Apr 25 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

May

International Migratory Bird Day: Birds at the Bluffs
A low-key event for families and children of all ages will feature interactive stations and nature walks focusing on the feathered friends of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. There will be bird-related give-aways, handouts and fun activities. Come join us as we celebrate International Migratory Bird Day.
Location: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Sun May 10 1-3 pm

Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents The Beeple
In this utterly ridiculous fantasy about honor among the bees, John Willy Entwistle has crash-landed into the kingdom of Hex, where Techbee Humble is smitten with Princess Sweebee, even though she is betrothed to Captain General Glorybee! When Humble finds out that Glorybee is conspiring with the enemy to capture the Golden Secret of Hex, John Willy persuades him to attempt to rescue the Princess. With the help of the clumsy (and rather annoying) Fuzzbuzz, they set off to do the right thing. Can they save the kingdom? For ticket or performance information, call (919) 465-4792.
Location: TBA
Thu-Sat May 14-16 7:30 p.m.

Annual Senior Citizens’ Day (ages 55+)
The Town of Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department invites you to attend the Senior Citizens Day celebration! Fun, entertainment, and a delicious lunch await you at this annual event. Please register by May 14. For more, call (919) 469-4081.
Location: Cary Senior Center Ballroom
Fees: $8 (per person)
Wed May 20 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

SAS Showchoir Performance FREE
The annual evening Senior Day Celebration Concert with VocalMotion, the SAS Show Choir, and Audio Kudzu is always a dynamite performance. VocalMotion is an all-volunteer show choir sponsored by SAS. Registration ends May 13. This is open to all ages! For more, call (919) 469-4081.
Location: Cary Senior Center Ballroom
Wed May 20 7-8 p.m.

Sk8 Contest
Come show off your best tricks at our Sk8 Contest! Spring is here and we hope you’re ready for some friendly competition. Skateboarders of all abilities are welcome to compete. Beginners will have two 1.5 minute runs and begin promptly at noon. Intermediates will compete for 45 minutes and start at 1 p.m. Experts will jam for 35 minutes and they will take off at 3 p.m. For the finale any participant that registered for the main event can enter the Best Trick competition. Registration will be held at SK8 Cary on or before May 23. Experts must register the day of the event (cash only). Beginner, Intermediate, and Best Trick day of event registrants will have a $5 late fee, so please pre-register! Practice and sign-in will begin at 10 a.m.
Location: Sk8 Cary
Fees: Spectators FREE; Beginners $10; Intermediate $15;
Expert $20; Best Trick $2; Day of event registration $5 extra
Sat May 23 10 a.m.

BMX Contest
Our annual Spring BMX Contest is here! Bikers of all abilities are welcome to compete. Beginners will start at 1 p.m. and have two 1.5 minute runs. Intermediates will begin at 2 p.m. and compete for 1 hour. Experts will jam for 45 minutes and they will take off at 4 p.m. Our Best Trick competition will take place at the end and anyone who registered in the main event can enter. Registration will be held at SK8 Cary on or before May 24. Experts must register the day of the event (cash only). Beginner, Intermediate, and Best Trick day of event registrants will have a $5 late fee, so please pre-register! Practice and sign-in will begin at noon.
Location: Sk8 Cary
Fees: Spectators FREE; Beginners $10; Intermediate $15;
Expert $20; Best Trick $2; Day of event registration $5 extra
Sun May 24 12 p.m.

June

Dog Days of June Canine Frisbee Disc Competition FREE
Come see the fur fly as local contestants vie for an opportunity to compete for the World Canine Frisbee Disc Championships. All dogs, regardless of lineage or experience, are invited to participate. Plus, each participant goes home with a free official disc (while supplies last). Prizes awarded to top 3 competitors. Winners qualify to compete in regional competitions that culminate in the World Canine Frisbee Disc Championships. Spectators, human and canine are welcome! All dogs must remain on leash when not competing. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Competition begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call (919) 469-4100.
Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Field #2
Sat Jun 6 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Concerts

Marvelous Music Concert Series
Friends of Page-Walker Concert Series
Sertoma Series
Starlight Concert Series
Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park Performance Calendar

Contact
Cary Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
Administrative Office
(919) 469-4061