Cary Spotlight | Issue #633

Beer, Bratwurst, and Giving Back, Town of Cary Announces New Bridge, Mosquitoes, Armyworms Multiply After NC Storms


🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• ❤️ Discover Cary: Triangle Oktoberfest
• 📰 News: Town of Cary Announces New Bridge
• 📰 News: Mosquitoes, Armyworms Multiply After NC Storms
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🏪 Support Local: Small biz to check out and coffee tips
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: What was the first government of the United States called?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Trust and Local Awareness

Discover how Cary Spotlight Connect, a free podcast, helps local businesses in Cary share their story with an engaged audience.

Triangle Oktoberfest

🎙️ Cary Spotlight Connect – Episode Title:
"Beer, Bratwurst, and Giving Back: Inside Triangle Oktoberfest with Burgermeister Craig Duerr"

🎧 Host: Dr. Chris Coetzer
🎤 Guest: Craig Duerr, burgermeister of the Triangle Oktoberfest and Rotarian

Summary

In this lively episode, Dr. Chris Coetzer chats with Craig Duerr, Burgermeister of Triangle Oktoberfest — North Carolina's largest Oktoberfest celebration. Held at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre, this family-friendly festival features authentic German music, food, games, and crowd-favorite wiener dog races.

Since 2014, the Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs have partnered with the Town of Cary to bring this event to life, raising $165,000 for charity last year alone. Craig shares the festival's origin story and how every ticket and beer sold helps support impactful local and international causes.

Tune in to hear about stein-hoisting contests, costume parades, and how you (or your dachshund) can join in this beloved community tradition.

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Keywords: Triangle Oktoberfest, Cary NC events, Rotary Club charity, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Wiener dog races, Family-friendly festivals, Stein hoisting contest

📢 Quotes Worth Sharing

"You don’t have to drink to have fun. Our goal is to create an inclusive, festive atmosphere for everyone."

"We don’t allow dogs at Koka Booth… except for one very special breed: wiener dogs."

"It’s more than a beer festival — it’s a community celebration with a charitable heartbeat.”

Craig Duerr

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • How Triangle Oktoberfest blends fun, food, and philanthropy

  • The family-friendly features that set this festival apart

  • Why wiener dogs steal the show (and how to enter yours!)

  • Where the proceeds go — and the real community impact

  • How to become a sponsor or a Rotarian

📣 Call to Action:

Love wiener dogs, live music, and giving back? You’re in for a treat. Begin your journey to an unforgettable fall tradition by attending Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Enjoy family-friendly fun while supporting local and international charities — all in one festive weekend.

Visit triangleoktoberfest.org to learn more, become a sponsor, or register your dachshund today!

We’d love your input! Let us know how aware you are of Triangle Oktoberfest, the annual German-themed celebration in Cary that raises funds for local and international charities:

How Familiar Are You with Triangle Oktoberfest and Its Charitable Mission?

Click to cast your vote

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Town of Cary Announces New Bridge

Cary is moving forward with the construction of a pedestrian and bike bridge spanning Black Creek along NW Cary Parkway. The bridge, designed to improve non-motorized connectivity in the area, will be 280 feet long.

Starting July 21, the section of Cary Parkway near the bridge will close for at least a week to allow for construction staging and deliveries. Detours will route drivers around the closure via Norwell Boulevard, Weston Parkway, and Harrison Avenue, with local street access maintained from Harrison Avenue.

This project aligns with Cary’s recent accolades, including a top ten ranking in a national real estate study. The town was recognized for its quality of life, safety, and proximity to high-paying tech jobs in the Research Triangle region. Read Full Report

What Do You Think of the New Black Creek Pedestrian Bridge?

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Mosquitoes, Armyworms Multiply After NC Storms

North Carolina is experiencing a significant rise in pest activity due to a recent stretch of heavy rain followed by extreme heat. These conditions are particularly favorable for insects like mosquitoes and fall armyworms, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Pest control companies have seen an influx of calls as residents report more infestations across the state.

Standing water left behind by storms is driving much of this growth, serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and a range of other pests. State health officials are warning about the public health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus and La Crosse encephalitis.

Entomologists at NC State University say the weather is speeding up the life cycles of many pests. Fall armyworms, in particular, are damaging lawns more quickly and aggressively than in previous years, with experts advising early monitoring and intervention to prevent widespread damage.

With climate patterns creating longer pest seasons and more rapid infestations, experts recommend proactive measures such as removing standing water, inspecting home perimeters, and consulting professionals. Without these steps, pests are likely to become an increasingly persistent problem. Read Full Report

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

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🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Thursday: Trivia Night 6PM-8PM
• Thursday: Square Dance  7:30PM-9:30PM
• Friday: The Tempest (Cary Arts Center) 7:30PM-9PM
• Friday: North Carolina FC vs Indy Eleven 7:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: Cornhole Tournament in the Park 6PM-10PM

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

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
The first government of the United States was the Continental Congress, a body of delegates from the thirteen colonies that met during and after the American Revolution. It was responsible for organizing the war effort, managing foreign diplomacy, and eventually drafting the Declaration of Independence. Though it had no real executive power, the Continental Congress served as the de facto national government until the Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1781.

Learn more about the Continental Congress