Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/1538586
ENGAGE Experiencing the Cary Community 18 C A RY, N O RT H C A R O L I N A F Y 2 0 25 4 T H Q U A R T E R R E P O R T S P R I N G AT D O W N T O W N C A RY PA R K Downtown Cary Park's second spring season was full of exciting events, lush greenery, and national recognition. The biggest Park event of the spring was undoubtedly the seventh annual Pimento Cheese Festival. On April 12, more than 17,500 people descended on Downtown Cary Park to take part in a cheese- filled celebration. This year's festival featured more than 35 food trucks, 10 breweries, a golf simulator, local artists, and two stages of music. As the days grew warmer and spring showers fell, the plants and trees in the Park began to show their colors and completely fill plant beds with growth. Now that many of the plants are more established, the Park looks even more lush. Finally, USA Today awarded Cary its 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Public Playground, recognizing The Nest due to its unique play structures and nature-inspired design. S P R I N G DA Z E On April 26, more than 12,000 attendees gathered at Bond Park for the 32nd annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. This year's Spring Daze featured 170 talented artists from across North Carolina, 17 delicious Triangle-based food vendors, and nonstop entertainment across three stages. The Kid Collectors Market was a standout addition to the 2025 festival, designed especially for young art lovers ages 6–12. The market gave kids the chance to purchase their very first piece of art to start their own collections. All artwork, generously donated by participating festival artists, was priced at just $5, making the experience accessible, empowering, and fun. The market was a hit with families and artists alike, sparking curiosity, creativity, and hopefully a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Sustainability also remained front and center through Cary It Green initiatives. All food vendors used compostable serviceware, and Cary staff went a step further by providing cutlery to every vendor, making it easier than ever for everyone to reduce waste together.