🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Cary’s Picnic Full of Joy and Color
• 📰 Scrollback: Generational Timeline Sparks Debate Among Cary Readers
• 📰 Scrollback: Cary Residents Urged to Stay Alert for Copperheads
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🏪 Support Local: Small biz to check out and coffee booster
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.

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Question: What European capital is divided by canals into about 90 islands?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Cary’s Picnic Full of Joy and Color

This Sunday, Downtown Cary Park becomes a vibrant gathering place for families and friends to celebrate Pride with a joyful afternoon picnic. From 12 to 4 p.m., the park will host free, family-friendly activities designed to uplift inclusivity, community, and connection.

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and pack a picnic—or grab a bite from Market 317 or nearby downtown eateries. The Great Lawn will be filled with hands-on fun, including friendship bracelet making, bubble play, ribbon wands, and lawn games like cornhole. For an extra treat, Golden K Dog and Brewster’s Real Ice Cream will be parked nearby at Park Street Courts.

The NC Courage will also be on site at the Park Street Arena, bringing their mascot Roary, photo ops, giveaways, and a chance to test your soccer skills with mini goals. With something for everyone, Sunday’s celebration promises to be a colorful afternoon of love, laughter, and community pride. Event Info

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…Cary Spotlight Issue #180

Generational Timeline Sparks Debate Among Cary Readers

reader feedback revealed strong reactions to Cary Spotlight’s polling of generational identity, particularly concerning the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation. Several readers passionately disputed the timeline, calling into question the years we used to define those who lived through WWII and the postwar era.

In response, we clarified that generational cohorts are not based on exact start and end years, but on shared formative experiences. The Greatest Generation, born roughly from 1901 to 1927, is known for enduring the Great Depression and contributing to the Allied effort in WWII. The Silent Generation, born from 1928 to 1945, grew up in the shadow of that war and helped shape the postwar world through quiet resolve and institutional loyalty.

These generational markers are helpful in understanding historical shifts, but they don't represent the full complexity of any individual’s story. The conversation underscored both the importance of historical education and the emotional connection people feel to the times that shaped them.

For more information: Greatest Generation | Silent Generation | Baby Boomers

Cary Residents Urged to Stay Alert for Copperheads

With summer in full swing, the quiet trails and shady backyards of Cary are once again seeing an uptick in local wildlife activity—including the seasonal appearance of the copperhead snake.

Easily camouflaged among leaves and mulch, copperheads are native to North Carolina and are especially active during the warmer months. While their presence may startle unsuspecting homeowners, these snakes are more likely to avoid conflict than engage it. Copperheads typically strike only when provoked or accidentally stepped on, making awareness and prevention key.

Recognizable by their light brown to pinkish bodies and dark, hourglass-shaped markings—often compared to the shape of Hershey’s Kisses—copperheads can be difficult to spot. That camouflage, while an effective defense in nature, poses a risk for curious pets and children playing outdoors.

Though venomous, copperhead bites are rarely fatal to humans. Nonetheless, they require prompt medical attention and can be more dangerous to small animals. Wildlife experts urge residents not to attempt handling or moving snakes on their own, but to call a licensed removal specialist if a snake is spotted too close to home.

Summer brings many joys to Cary, from picnics to hikes—but staying informed about the local ecosystem is one way to ensure those outdoor adventures remain safe for everyone. Learn more: North Carolina Wildlife Resources

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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Today: CaryLIVE!: Dustbowl Revival 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Sunday: PRIDE in the Park 12PM-4PM
• Monday: TBA

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar