In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📰 Sliding into Winter Fun: Explore the Best Tubing and Sledding Hills in NC

🎄 Do They Know It’s Christmas: South Africa

✈️ TSA: More Loaded Guns Found at RDU Security in 2023

💡 House Hacks: 7 CLEVER Picture Hanging Tricks Everyone Should Know

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the name of Cary's annual celebration of its cultural diversity?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Sliding into Winter Fun: Explore the Best Tubing and Sledding Hills in NC

As the winter chill sets in, residents of Cary and surrounding areas are dusting off their winter gear in anticipation of the season's snowy pleasures. North Carolina, with its picturesque landscapes and diverse topography, offers a myriad of opportunities for winter enthusiasts. From thrilling snow tubing lanes to charming sledding hills, there's no shortage of winter fun to be had.

In this special feature, Cary Spotlight presents a curated list of the top winter destinations for snow tubing and sledding in the state. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-filled day on the slopes or a family-friendly outing in the snow, these spots promise memorable winter experiences. So bundle up, grab your sleds and tubes, and get ready to explore the winter wonders that North Carolina has to offer.

1. Beech Mountain Sledding Hill (Beech Mountain): This town-maintained sledding hill is free for children 12 and under. Located next to the Town Hall, the hill combines natural and man-made snow to maintain good sledding conditions. Note that only plastic sleds are allowed. Learn more
   

2. Highlands Outpost (Scaly Mountain): Offering year-round tubing fun, Highlands Outpost has snow tubing in the winter and switches to artificial turf in the summer. The resort caters to all ages, featuring a separate slope for younger tubers and also boasts a skating rink. Learn more
   

3. Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park (Hendersonville): Known for its 500 feet of fun, Moonshine Mountain is unique in allowing trains of up to six people, a feature not commonly permitted elsewhere. Learn more
   

4. Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park (Jonas Ridge): This park invites visitors for an exhilarating experience, offering a 400-foot ride down one of its five lanes. After enjoying the tubing, guests can warm up by the fireplace or watch the action from an observation deck.
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5. Hawksnest Snow Tubing (Seven Devils): Hawksnest is a family-friendly destination, famous for having one of the largest snow tubing parks on the East Coast. During the winter, it features four areas with 30 lighted lanes, varying in length from 400 to 1,000 feet. In the warmer months, it also offers zip line adventures. Learn more.
   

Do They Know It’s Christmas: South Africa

In 1984, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure created "Do They Know It's Christmas?" as a response to the Ethiopian famine. The song, featuring prominent British and Irish musicians, was a commercial hit, raising £8 million for famine relief. While it paved the way for future charity singles and concerts, it also faced criticism over its portrayal of Africa and the effectiveness of its aid.

So, with that let’s explore the question today, “Do they know it’s Christmas in South Africa?” Short answer: Yes.

Celebrating Christmas in South Africa: From Carol Singing to Braais

Celebrating Christmas in South Africa involves embracing the summer weather with camping and outdoor meals, including a traditional Christmas feast or a barbecue.

Carol singing and church services are central to the festivities, while Boxing Day continues the holiday spirit. The influence of British traditions is notable, and the diverse cultural landscape of South Africa is reflected in the various ways Christmas is greeted in different languages.

Santa Claus is also a part of the celebration, known locally as Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) & Kersvader (Father Christmas) for people who speak Afrikaans (which has a base in Dutch). Read more about Christmas in South Africa

TSA: More Loaded Guns Found at RDU Security in 2023

TSA officers at RDU have found 73 firearms at security checkpoints in 2023, nearly matching last year's total but with more loaded weapons.

The increase is partly attributed to higher passenger volumes post-pandemic. Most passengers claimed to have forgotten their firearms.

With the holiday travel season underway, the TSA emphasizes the importance of following regulations for transporting firearms. Similar trends are observed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Read Full Story

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7 CLEVER Picture Hanging Tricks Everyone Should Know

Here are seven lesser known tips, tricks and hacks for hanging pictures on the wall. #picturehanging #househacks #diy

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