Cary Spotlight | Issue #281

NC's August Festivals, USDA's New Poultry Rule, Medical Debt Relief, and Cary Crime Stats

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Quote of the Day

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

📰 From Figs to Jazz: Discover NC's August Festival Lineup

📰 USDA's New Rule Aims to Keep Salmonella-Contaminated Poultry Off Shelves

📰 North Carolina Launches Groundbreaking Medical Debt Relief Plan

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

🏆 Dramatic Finish Sees Courage Draw and Win Shootout Against Louisville

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What is the most popular tourist attraction in the world?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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From Figs to Jazz: Discover NC's August Festival Lineup

As North Carolina's summer sun casts its warm glow, the state gears up for a vibrant array of festivals that beckon residents and visitors alike. Next month promises a medley of cultural celebrations, each offering its unique flavor of fun and festivity.

  1. Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Aug. 2-3
    In Burnsville, the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair marks its 68th year with over 200 vendors and performers. This charming town square will be bustling with craft demonstrations, bluegrass tunes, food stalls, and a variety of handmade arts and crafts.

  2. Ocracoke Fig Festival, Aug. 2-3
    Ocracoke Island celebrates its 16 varieties of figs with an array of treats including preserves and cakes. The festival features exhibits, live music, dancing, and a much-anticipated fig preserve and cake contest. Chef Sheri Castle will also make a special appearance.

  3. Historic Valdese Waldensian Festival, Aug. 9-10
    Valdese pays homage to the Waldensian heritage with a festival commemorating the 1689 “Glorious Return.” The event includes live music, a classic car show, amusement rides, street dances, and nearly 200 vendors offering food, crafts, and art.

  4. Black Mountain Sourwood Festival, Aug. 10-11
    The 47th annual Sourwood Festival in Black Mountain celebrates the unique sourwood honey. Visitors can enjoy honey-based treats, live music, and the offerings of over 150 vendors.

  5. North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, Aug. 15-17
    Marion hosts the 49th North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival, featuring award-winning acts like Rhonda Vincent and East Nash Grass. Alongside the music, there will be food trucks, craft vendors, and campfire jam sessions.

  6. NC Beach Blast Festival, Aug. 17
    Kings Mountain’s 25th annual Beach Blast Festival invites everyone to enjoy Carolina beach music, games, and a variety of food stalls. It’s a day to dance and indulge in summer fun.

  7. Winterville Watermelon Festival, Aug. 22-25
    Winterville’s celebration of summer’s favorite fruit includes a parade, eating contests, games, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Classic fair foods and watermelon treats abound.

  8. Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, Aug. 24-25
    Cary’s Lazy Daze Festival features over 250 artists from across the country, offering interactive art activities and demonstrations. The festival also includes live entertainment, food vendors, and a beer garden. A new addition this year is a Kid Collectors Market.

  9. Fork Fest, Aug. 31-Sept. 1
    McAdenville's Fork Fest celebrates the South Fork River with live entertainment, kids’ activities, a 5K race, an art competition, local vendors, and food trucks. The highlight is a floating concert down the river to Cramerton.

  10. John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, Aug. 31-Sept. 1
    High Point’s festival honors saxophonist John Coltrane with live jazz and blues performances. The event includes the presentation of new instruments to student essay winners and a performance by the NC Coltrane All Star Band, accompanied by an array of food trucks.

USDA's New Rule Aims to Keep Salmonella-Contaminated Poultry Off Shelves

The USDA has announced a proposal to limit salmonella in poultry products to reduce foodborne illnesses. The new rule requires poultry companies to maintain low levels of salmonella and test for six harmful strains.

Products failing these standards will be recalled. Despite reductions in salmonella, related illnesses have not decreased significantly. The CDC estimates salmonella causes 1.35 million infections annually, with a significant portion from poultry.

The USDA's proposal includes monitoring programs and guidelines for reducing bacteria spread, such as vaccinating birds. The National Chicken Council has raised concerns about the rule's impact on health and costs.

Experts acknowledge challenges in tracking bacteria but agree on the potential health benefits. The USDA's approach follows successful efforts to reduce E. coli in ground beef. The proposal, developed over three years, will undergo a public comment period before finalization. Read Full Article

North Carolina Launches Groundbreaking Medical Debt Relief Plan

North Carolina has launched a groundbreaking initiative, now federally approved, to address the crippling issue of medical debt among its low- and middle-income residents.

With the potential to alleviate $4 billion in debt for 2 million people, the plan leverages federal Medicaid funds to encourage hospitals to forgive outstanding debts. Spearheaded by Governor Roy Cooper and supported by Vice President Kamala Harris, the program targets debts that are difficult for hospitals to collect, providing financial relief and stability for both individuals and healthcare providers.

The initiative, which does not require new state laws or additional funds, applies to Medicaid recipients and privately insured individuals earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level. Participating hospitals will benefit from significant federal funds, fostering a cooperative effort to improve financial and health outcomes across the state. Read Full Report

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (29 July 2024)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

Dramatic Finish Sees Courage Draw and Win Shootout Against Louisville

Adidas soccer ball on a grass pitch

In a dramatic match at Lynn Family Stadium, the North Carolina Courage drew 1-1 with Racing Louisville FC and won the subsequent shootout 5-4, securing two points in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup group stage.

After a goalless first half, the Courage increased their offensive pressure. Riley Jackson scored her first professional goal in stoppage time to level the match, and Tyler Lussi sealed the victory in the shootout.

The Courage now have four points from two group-stage matches and will face Rayadas de Monterrey next at WakeMed Soccer Park. Read Full Report

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

July 30th (Tuesday)

July 31st (Wednesday)

August 1st (Thursday)

August 2nd (Friday)

August 3rd (Saturday)

August 4th(Sunday)

August 5th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

The Great Wall of China stands as the most popular tourist attraction in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. This iconic structure, stretching over 13,000 miles, was originally constructed by various Chinese dynasties as a defense against invasions.

Today, the Great Wall fascinates visitors with its historical significance and the sheer scale of human endeavor it represents. Offering breathtaking views and a peek into China’s rich past, it remains a symbol of resilience and architectural genius.

For more detailed information about the Great Wall of China, including its history, significance, and visitor tips, you can visit the official travel guide dedicated to this monumental site.