Cary Spotlight | Issue #563

Discover Big Mike’s BBQ, Wake County Calls for Hurricane Readiness, Ritmo Latino Festival Offers a Full-Day Family Fiesta

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Discover Cary: Big Mike’s BBQ

📰 Wake County Calls for Hurricane Readiness Ahead of Storm Season

📰 Cary’s Ritmo Latino Festival Offers a Full-Day Family Fiesta

📰 Cary Rolls into Bike Month with Rides for All Ages

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Diane Zidman!

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Did someone forward you our daily, local Cary newsletter? Then click the button below to subscribe and discover the talk of the town.

Question: What part of their body do snakes use to sense vibrations in the ground?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Meet the Cary Newcomers Club, a community-building group we’re proud to spotlight in today’s edition of Cary Spotlight. We’re donating this space to help spread the word about their mission: helping residents find friendship, connection, and purpose—whether you’ve just moved to the area or are simply entering a new season of life.

This Cary-based civic organization hosts monthly programs, social events, and volunteer opportunities that bring people together across Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and beyond.

Want to learn more? 🎧 Check out our latest podcast episode for the full story—and consider attending an upcoming meeting to find your people!

“Joining CNCs was the best decision I ever made! I’ve met so many interesting folks and made great connections. The “sub clubs” are vast so there is no excuse to not find your niche!!” -Cary Spotlight Subscriber

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.

Credit: Big Mike’s BBQ

Big Mike’s BBQ

Big Mike’s BBQ is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary series. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Big Mike’s BBQ in Cary, NC, serves up award-winning, low-and-slow smoked meats—including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs—paired with scratch-made sides like smoked Gouda mac and cheese and their signature warm smoked potato salad, all in a laid-back setting that also features a rotating selection of local craft beers.

Here are the results from our reader poll and readers feedback (see below). Check out their menu on their website: Big Mike’s BBQ

Address: 1222 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513 | Directions 

Big Mike’s BBQ

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Wanna Recommend a Place
to eat in Cary, NC?

We want to hear about it! Cary Spotlight readers are always on the lookout for delicious local gems, and your recommendation could be the next must-try spot in town. Whether it’s a cozy café or a brand-new restaurant with flavors worth sharing, let us know!

Share your favorite finds and help fellow food lovers explore the Cary’s dining scene.

Wake County Calls for Hurricane Readiness Ahead of Storm Season

As the Atlantic hurricane season nears, Wake County is encouraging local residents to prepare well in advance for the possibility of severe storms. Officials remind residents that proactive planning is one of the most effective ways to stay safe during high-impact weather events. Building a well-stocked emergency kit is a key first step—one that includes food, water, medications, hygiene items, pet supplies, and other essentials to sustain a household for several days.

Beyond supplies, emergency planning is vital. Families are encouraged to identify evacuation routes, establish communication plans, and practice what to do if they're not together during an emergency. Protective measures such as trimming tree branches, securing loose outdoor items, and covering windows can reduce property damage during a storm.

To stay informed, residents are urged to sign up for ReadyWake Alerts, a local notification system that provides real-time updates on severe weather and evacuation notices. Additional preparedness tools and checklists are available at ReadyWake.com and ReadyNC.gov. While each season's impact is unpredictable, officials agree: being ready is the best defense. Read Full Report

How Prepared Are You for Hurricane Season?

Click to cast your vote

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Cary’s Ritmo Latino Festival Offers a Full-Day Family Fiesta

Cary’s Town Hall Campus will be bursting with color and energy this Saturday as the Ritmo Latino Festival brings its signature mix of music, food, and family fun back to the downtown area. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can explore a full day of festivities that highlight the depth and diversity of Latino heritage.

Organized by the Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, the event features live performances, dance lessons for adults, and an expansive food court offering flavors from across Latin America. Raffles, games, and community booths round out the experience, making it easy to spend hours wandering, tasting, and moving to the beat.

Families will find plenty to enjoy in the KidZone, a dedicated space filled with inflatables, games, and sweet treats like cotton candy. As one of Cary’s most inclusive cultural festivals, Ritmo Latino is a joyful and welcoming celebration of community—and it’s entirely free to attend. Learn more

Are you planning on going to this local event?

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Cary Rolls into Bike Month
with Rides for All Ages

Credit: Town of Cary, NC

This week, students and families in Cary took to the streets for Bike to School Day, an annual event promoting safety, wellness, and environmentally friendly transportation. The May 7 celebration encouraged kids to start the day with fresh air and movement, while reinforcing the importance of safe riding habits in local neighborhoods.

The momentum continues with Light Up the Night on May 15, a community group ride open to all ages. Beginning at the Cary Regional Library, the evening event features a short one-mile ride for families followed by a longer social route for more experienced riders. It’s a festive way to connect with neighbors while seeing Cary from a new perspective—after dark, and aglow.

On May 16, Bike to Work Day invites adults across Cary to ditch their cars and experience a more active commute. The town is also hosting a workplace challenge throughout May to encourage team participation. With a growing calendar of events, Cary continues to promote biking as a fun, practical, and community-building alternative to driving.

Just curious…

How Do You Use Your Bike Most Often?

Click to cast your vote and see see how Cary rides!

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Meme/Thought of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

Meme-o-meter

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Thank You, Diane Zidman!

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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.

May 8th (Thursday)

May 9th (Friday)

May 10th (Saturday)

May 11th (Sunday)

May 12th(Monday)

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

Snakes sense vibrations in the ground through their jawbones, which are in direct contact with the ground as they slither. These vibrations travel up the bones to the inner ear, allowing the snake to detect the movement of prey, predators, or even environmental changes without relying on traditional hearing. Though snakes lack external ears, this specialized adaptation helps them "hear" through physical sensation — a crucial advantage for survival in the wild.

For more information, Do snakes have ears? 🐍