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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Wake County Prices Reshape the Path to Homeownership
• 📰 News: Valentine’s Event at Downtown Cary Park
• 📰 News: Preview the Artists of Spring Daze 2026
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Make your gift
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
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Question: Who was the first African American to win a Nobel Peace Prize?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Wake County Prices Reshape the Path to Homeownership
A new report from the National Association of Realtors finds that the median age of first-time homebuyers in the United States has climbed to 40, underscoring how affordability challenges are reshaping the housing market. Local agents say buyers in the Triangle tend to be somewhat younger, though they face many of the same obstacles.
In Wake County, where the median home price is about $450,000, many first-time buyers struggle to find homes within reach. As a result, families are increasingly looking beyond Raleigh’s city limits.
Communities near the Johnston County line, where median prices are closer to $335,000, have become more attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Real estate experts point to a limited supply of starter homes and ongoing growth in Raleigh as key factors driving the shift outward.
For many young families, homeownership now requires compromise, often in the form of longer commutes. Still, the goal of owning a home remains within reach for those willing to look beyond the urban core. Read Full Report
Just curious…
How do you see rising home prices affecting Cary’s future?
Valentine’s Event at Downtown Cary Park
Downtown Cary Park is inviting couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a free evening event on Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Academy Pavilion and Gathering House.
The program is designed for guests ages 16 and older and will feature interactive art activities, live music and a food truck. All activities are free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Couples can create folded love letters with wax seals, assemble mini terrariums, paint ceramic pieces and contribute to a collaborative mural. A photo wall will offer Polaroid keepsakes, and live music will set a romantic tone throughout the evening.
Food will be available for purchase, and organizers say inclusion services are available to help ensure a positive experience for all guests. Get Event Info
Preview the Artists of Spring Daze 2026
Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival has unveiled its online Artist Gallery, giving the public a preview of the artists scheduled to exhibit at this year’s event.
The festival, set for April 25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will once again take place at Fred G. Bond Park in Cary. The outdoor setting spans 310 acres of wooded trails and lakeside views.
Spring Daze features artists who live in North Carolina and serves as a platform for showcasing the state’s creative talent. Organizers anticipate approximately 15,000 attendees.
The new gallery allows visitors to explore participating artists and plan their day in advance of the popular annual festival. Meet the Artists
Have you ever attended the Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival at Fred G. Bond Park?
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Meme 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.
This lineup perfectly captures every stage of “just one more minute on the grill.” Be honest — which sausage are you choosing? No judgment, only curiosity…
Which sausage are you picking?
🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary.
Buy Cary Spotlight coffee. Every contribution helps us highlight more local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits making a difference. Help us keep this resource free.
🎟️ 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: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
• Thursday: Zumba 6PM-7PM
• Friday: Polar Doubles Adult Tennis Tournament ALL DAY
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Valentine’s Date Night in the Park 5PM-9PM
• Saturday: VALENTINE'S NIGHT OF R&B JAZZ AND FUNK WITH CHIP SHEARIN 7:30PM-9:30PM
But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Ralph Bunche
Dr. Ralph Bunche made history in 1950 as the first African American to win a Nobel Prize, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts in the Arab-Israeli conflict. A diplomat and political scientist, Bunche played a crucial role in negotiating the 1949 Armistice Agreements that ended the first Arab-Israeli war. His groundbreaking work in international diplomacy helped shape the United Nations, where he served in various leadership roles. Bunche's achievements paved the way for greater African American representation in global peace efforts and diplomacy.
For more information, visit: The Nobel Prize - Ralph Bunche.