The party was officially on as Cary kicked off back-to-back weekends in celebration of 150 years of excellence.
The town might have been incorporated on April 3, 1871, but the town’s party and festival to celebrate is happening over the weekends of July 24th and 31st. We previewed the celebration and spoke with Cary’s Ginny Johnson about the events here.
READ: CELEBRATING CARY’S 150th
Adam Bell, the Festivals and Events Supervisor for the Town of Cary, and this incredible team set their sights on a massive street festival on Saturday the 24th spanning from Park Street (just before the Mayton Inn) all the way down to the Cary Arts Center.
“We’ve been waiting a long time to welcome people back to downtown, I mean the park is under construction and that’s just the start of big things to come. To be able to have a street festival to celebrate Cary’s 150th, it’s a kick-off for us,” said Bell.
A stage at the end of Academy Street showcased talented performers, while food trucks and vendors lined the street, the old library site (now a gorgeous new park) became a buzz of activity with space to spread out and attendees to mingle.
“We wanted to activate each area in this part of downtown, including a dedicated space for activities for kids, and the old library site serving as the main hub of activities as well,” added Bell.
Coincidentally, Bell (a native of Pittsburgh, PA) was celebrating his six-year anniversary working for the Town of Cary during the events on Saturday. He added, “I’ve been working with Cary, today is my 6-year anniversary, this is home for me. I love the atmosphere and the street festivals and the community that it brings, and I’m honored to be part of creating that for other people.”
Just across from the Mayton Inn, as festival-goers walked Academy Street, was Britt Flood, a live local painter who was creating three rotating murals.
“These are an ode to Cary’s past, present and future. First, we start with the present which is my take on the 150th logo. For the past we’re doing an image of one of Cary’s first trains along with a portrait of Allison Frank Page, and then the future where I’m doing a freestyle with butterflies and flowers to show blooming Cary growth.”
A highlight from the celebration is a dazzling light show called “Journey Through a Dream of Light”, an immersive experience of light, art and technology. Don’t worry if you missed it, there are more opportunities to see the light show and celebrate in downtown Cary. Visit the official events page Cary150.org for more information.
