FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2008

THOUSANDS PREPARE FOR CARY’S 15^TH ANNUAL SPRING DAZE FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY

Hands-on art projects for kids & free environmental giveaways part of celebration

CARY, NC – Arts, crafts, entertainment and food galore will line the streets of Cary’s Bond Park, 801 High House Road, as part of the 15^th Annual Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.  The free festival kicks off at 9 a.m. with a parade led by the Los Galleros Mariachi Band and the live entertainment continues until 5 p.m. with nearly 160 artists, 18 different performing groups on stage, 18 civic groups, 5 concession areas and 1 demonstrating artist guild.

New this year, area youth can leave a lasting impression on Bond Park by helping to create a permanent sculpture display using the Japanese art of Ikebana.  Lily Karmatz, a Japanese born artist now living in Australia, is conducting an artist’s residency through April 26 and will work with Cary youth at the festival to construct an outdoor sculptural arrangement using temporary and permanent materials based on Ikebana.

Youth can also try their artistic hands at the Town’s Earth Day display with the Water Bottle Dragon mosaic.  Children are encouraged to bring their recyclable plastic water bottles in a bin at the Earth Day booth and then paint the bottle cap and put it on a Water Bottle Dragon in mosaic form.  Adults are also encouraged to recycle their bottles and enter for a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants.  Visitors to the Earth Day booth can also enjoy a free recycled plastic yo-yo, free Dogwood seedlings, plant sales and other giveaways, environmental games, and crafts.

Returning to the festival this year is the Rex Healthcare Children’s Village that provides a place for parents and their children to enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on crafts, including face painting, magicians, story tellers and clowns.

“This year’s festival is expected to draw even bigger crowds for more of the same great entertainment that festival goers have come to love for years,” said Joy Cox, Cary Festivals Coordinator.  “Best of all, we’re pleased to offer even more convenient ways to reach the festival through one of three Greenways leading into Bond Park.”

For those looking for an alternative to driving to the festival, the Town of Cary’s Oxxford Hunt, White Oak, and Black Creek greenways offer perfect access to Bond Park. C-Tran will also transport riders on the East-West route free of charge to and from the festival; the service will run every half-hour leaving from the Cary Train Depot between North Academy Street and Harrison Avenue.  The Town is providing a free shuttle bus from the Town Hall Parking Deck on Wilkinson Avenue; shuttles run every 15-20 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Parking will also be available inside Bond Park at the Bond Park Community Center and at the Cary Senior Center and Ropes Course parking area.  A free shuttle from the parking areas will be provided.

In the event of rain, the Spring Daze Festival will be postponed to Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.  To check for cancellations, please call (919) 319-4500, extension 571.

For a complete schedule and more, see Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

###