Good morning Cary and happy Friday! Hope you’re staying cool with the weather as we’ve had some heat advisories cropping up this week. Just a reminder that our first Cary Dinner Club is coming up as well, already have a few tables booked for the 17th.

More on that next week as we all prep for the long weekend!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

— Mason from Cary Digest

If you're heading downtown Saturday, just a heads up that Academy Street closes between Dry Avenue and East Park Street from 7AM until 3PM. The closure is for the town’s annual Public Safety Day, but it runs before and after the event. Note that is also would affect the Farmers Market if you plan to visit either.

The Public Safety event itself runs 11AM to 2PM. Cary Police and Fire will be there along with EMS, WakeMed, and 25 police agencies from around the region. There will be equipment displays, hands-on exhibits, and food and drink onsite. It is free to attend and family-friendly, so make a morning out of it if you’re staying in town for the long weekend!

Per the event page, the town recommends using the Academy Street and Cedar Street decks for any event parking on Saturday. Learn more below:

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival runs September 10th to 13th at The Cary Theater. If you've never been to the film festival, here is some quick info:

If you can only make one of the days, I would encourage you to go on Saturday as most of the films and creators of them will be showcasing their work then. Take a look at the schedule, see what piques your interest, and give some great indie filmmakers a chance to be seen and heard on the big screen.

Plus, in between events and sessions, you’ll be right downtown to make a full day of it. Learn more below and keep me posted on what your favorites end up being.

P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this month? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

If you’re making it out downtown this weekend or next, consider stopping by Lawrence Barbecue! It’s a walkable barbecue spot with a southern twist, located on the backside of East Chatham (better known as the side facing East Cedar Street).

The restaurant, owned by local pitmaster Jake Wood, is named the restaurant after his late grandfather. Their recipes are meant to capture some of his family traditions and recipes as part of their menu. That menu includes smoked meats, like brisket, pork belly, and carnitas. They’ve even got some coastal items with oysters and different sandwiches, fixins, and more.

Just a heads up, they DO sell out of food sometimes, so make sure to schedule ahead if you have a party of 6 or more.

They’re approaching their first year in Downtown Cary so if you haven’t checked them out yet, there is no better time than now! Walk over there from this weekend’s events, the Cary Film Festival, and stay tuned for updates as they approach their anniversary!

Monday is Labor Day, so just a few things to keep in mind: Town Hall, community centers, and most staffed facilities close for the day, and curbside trash and recycling run one day later all week. GoCary also runs a Sunday-level schedule.

Just a reminder, with the Labor Day weekend things are a bit sparse events wise but here are a few I saw:

Friday, September 4th: Movie Night: Hamilton - 5PM to Dusk · Downtown Cary Park Great Lawn opens for seating at 5, pre-show activities start at 6, and the movie rolls at 7:30PM. Free, bring a blanket or chair but note that room is first come, first served. If you've somehow never seen it, this is the 2nd best way outside of the live performance.

Friday, September 4th: Bands, Bites & Boats - 5:30PM to 7:30PM · Bond Park Boathouse hosts the first-Friday lake concert with My Cousin Skinny, food trucks, and after-hours boat rentals. Brews from Bond Brothers as well.

Saturday & Sunday, September 5th-6th: Pickleball Championship Weekend - Times Vary · Cary Tennis Park hosts the medal rounds of their national championships, wrapping a week of play here in town.

Sunday, September 6th: Cary Underground Market - 12PM to 4PM · Bond Brothers Beer Co. hosts the monthly makers market with 40+ local vendors, live bands, and a mini food truck rodeo. Free, rain or shine, and a good spot to be the Sunday before the holiday.

Saturday, September 5th: Cary Farmers Market - 8AM to 12PM · East Park Street near Downtown Cary Park hosts the weekly market. Note S. Academy is closed from 7AM for Public Safety Day, so plan your route in accordingly.

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