Cary Spotlight | Issue #731

Help Shape Cary’s Future, Wake County Expands Umstead Trails, Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park

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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🎨 Discover Cary: Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park
• 📰 News: Help Shape Cary’s Future Through Local Committee Service
• 📰 News: Wake County Expands Umstead Trails
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Show your support 
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: What African American singer was the first to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park

Every October, something magical happens at Bond Park in Cary. As the sun sets and twilight paints the sky, dozens of carved pumpkins light up and set sail across the 42-acre Bond Lake. It's called the Pumpkin Flotilla, and it's become one of the most beloved fall traditions in town. Families gather along the water's edge, kids point excitedly at their glowing creations, and the whole scene feels like something out of a storybook. This free community event combines the fun of Halloween with the beauty of an autumn evening by the lake.

The magic starts the night before, when people drop off their carved jack-o'-lanterns at the Bond Park Boathouse. The town provides special floats and lights for each pumpkin, so all you need to do is bring your best carving.

On flotilla night, those pumpkins come alive as they drift across the dark water, creating a stunning display that's perfect for all ages. While you wait for the big launch around 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy live music from local bands, grab a bite from food trucks, or even rent a boat to get out on the water yourself. This year features The Tigerlily Band, plus tasty options like Crispy Gyoza, Ty's All Natural, and Mr. A's Beignets.

Can't make it on Friday night? No problem. The pumpkins stay on the lake and get relit the following evening for a second viewing. It's a quieter, more peaceful way to enjoy the glowing display from the boathouse waterfront. The Pumpkin Flotilla isn't just about the pumpkins—it's about gathering as a community, celebrating the season, and making memories with the people you love.

Good to Know:

Location: Bond Park Boathouse, 801 High House Road, Morrisville, NC 27560 | Directions

Event Date: Friday, October 24, 2025, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Pumpkin Drop-Off: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

What to Bring: A carved pumpkin about the size of a soccer ball (around 8 pounds after carving). It needs to be gutted and carved at home, with the top still attached. No decorations like paint, glitter, candles, or lights—the town provides those!

Activities: Live music, food trucks, boat rentals (4:00 PM - 6:15 PM), and watching the glowing pumpkins float across the lake at twilight

Entry: Free!

Tip: Floats for pumpkins are limited and given out first-come, first-served, so drop yours off early on Thursday. Even if your pumpkin doesn't make it onto a float, it'll be used to decorate the waterfront. And remember—pumpkins can't be returned after the event, so think of it as your gift to the community!

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Help Shape Cary’s Future Through Local Committee Service

The Town of Cary is seeking residents to serve on three advisory committees within its Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. Openings are available on the Greenways, Cultural Arts, and Athletics Committees. These volunteer roles offer residents an opportunity to influence local policies, programs, and events related to community recreation and culture.

Committee members are expected to attend regular meetings and participate in special events throughout the year. Their input helps shape the direction of Cary’s recreational and cultural offerings while ensuring that the community's diverse perspectives are represented in town planning.

The deadline to apply is October 31. Interested residents can submit their applications online through the town’s official portal.

More information and the application link can be found at:
Cary Boards, Commissions, & Committees

Wake County Expands Umstead Trails

The Wake County Board of Commissioners has taken steps to enhance the region’s outdoor recreation offerings by approving two major projects. One authorizes a new lease at William B. Umstead State Park, where the county will develop new trails for mountain biking and other uses on 252 acres of land. This lease helps offset the closure of trails at Lake Crabtree County Park earlier this year and aligns with the county’s goal to preserve and promote natural recreation areas.

The lease will last for just over seven years at a symbolic cost of $1 per year. It is adjacent to existing county-leased trail space from the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and will be managed in collaboration with the state’s parks division.

In addition, the county is moving forward with the construction of Kellam-Wyatt County Park, a 59-acre site on the Raleigh-Knightdale border. The $9.49 million contract was awarded to TCC Enterprises, Inc., with construction expected to begin before the end of the year and substantial completion targeted for winter 2027.

Together, the projects reflect Wake County’s continued investment in expanding public access to parks and trails while maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship. | Read Full Article

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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: Town Council Meeting (Regular) 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Trivia Night 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: Pumpkin Flotilla at Bond Park 4PM-7PM
• Friday: Zombiepalooza 6PM-9PM
• Friday: Dia de Muertos Celebration 6PM-10PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: Downtown Scary Park: Haunted Hotel 2PM-10:30PM
• Saturday: Movie Night: Double Feature 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 👇👇👇
Marian Anderson made history on January 7, 1955, as the first African American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. A world-renowned contralto, Anderson had previously broken racial barriers in classical music, most notably in 1939 when she performed at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied a concert at Constitution Hall due to segregation. Her powerful voice and perseverance paved the way for future Black artists in opera and classical music. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.

For more information, visit: Her Song and Her Spirit Could Not Be Silenced