A Holiday Tradition
Burns Bright Across Cary // BY CHERYL CAPALDO TRAYLOR
Cary’s Pink Princess
Although it is difficult to pinpoint the first use of luminarias in North Carolina, in Cary the tradition started in 1973 with Boy Scouts Troop 208. Scoutmaster Don Simmons found himself sitting by a man on an airplane who suggested the troop sell rive through Cary neighborhoods on // met BY BETH luminaria PETERSON PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY kits as a // fundraising project. Christmas Eve and you will be And so it began: One of the most by a wonderland of sparkling magic. important things the troop had to do that No, there most likely won’t be snow, but at one point was so overlooked that she was known more for housing walkedscene past her dozens of times, first and year everywas time is theto Cary residents explain there will be’ve a tranquil as thousands than ever housing families. But in 1994, Sheila and Carroll same: The closer I get, the slower my gait becomes. My eyes what luminarias were and thevagrants purpose they upon thousands of candles line the streets, Ogle rescued linger as long as possible. in myThe subconscious, served. first two neighborhoods to set her from ruin. In the years since, they have lovingly and softly glowing and illuminating the way. Somewhere painstakingly voice that it’s rudeanto stare. But I can’t helpwere it. Greenwood out luminarias Forest and restored the lovely home to her former glory. a little Light is areminds symbol me of many things: To appease the curiosity of her many admirers, a book is in the Her looks spark the imagination,and and as often as I’ve walked Tanglewood. In the first year, 452 homes invitation, celebration, remembrance, works, where the story is told from the perspective of the personified by—sometimes crossing the street, just to get a better view—I’ve participated. It has grown into an annual hope in the darkness. Throughout history, Pink House. never tired daydreaming about what her past might hold. In fact, the community, tradition throughout and And—what fun—Sheila and Mary are inviting you to candles haveofbeen used in many religious participate in the telling: A contest will be held, where contestants are sometimes myceremonies. daydreamsLuminarias, are tinged with jealousy for several the lucky ones thousand today hundred luminarias traditions and asked share their impressions, memories, stories, and photos of the who knowfestival her best. light up streets in neighborhoods all to over meaning lights, traditionally were Pink House. She’s peerless, pretty invisitors pink, and tall between the Cary area. the oaks small bonfires lit to welcome andshe stands First of commemorate downtown Cary. While some homeowners head outand second place winners will receive invitations for a to holidays in New Mexico. reception and dinner at the home. First place will also receive She’s our owncustom East Coast painted to purchaserestored paper bags, sand,cocktail and small The Southwestern is thought to lady, the beautifully one night’s stay. To enter, submit your photos and memories (no more Queen Anne–style situated on Academy Street, directly across candles to create their own luminarias, others have originated withhome Spanish merchants than 150 words) via email to Pinkhouse@ogleent.com. Entries must from Cary First Baptist Church. And her story is worth knowing, which look forward to purchasing kits that support who discovered paper lanterns on their received from September 10th through November 16th, and some is why to owner Sheila Ogle is the partnering with writer Mary Insprucker local Scouts troops.to Don Fick,be director of the travels China and brought idea entries may also be included in the pages of the book. help the tell it herself. annual luminaria program, estimates that at back with“Pink them.Lady” They created luminarias, Ifby you’ve Despite age (she was built a real glamour least 21,000 kits will be delivered Boy never met Cary’s “Pink Lady,”, or if you’ve only driven by their version her of paper lanterns, to be circa used 1830), she’s the house and wondered what that flash of pink was in your peripheral girl. Tothe look at her—with herToday, gleaming stained glass–trimmed windows, Scouts, Girl Scouts, and American Heritage during Christmas season. many vision, sure to slow down the next time you’re on Academy Street. sprawling front and delicate Girl troops gables—it’s and Venturina crews in thebeCary homeowners alsoporch, view luminarias as agingerbread-encrusted more Better yet, get out of your car. Linger awhile in front of her wrought hard to holiday imaginedecoration, that any portion of her existencearea wasthis filled with any-with troops December, ringing secular much like thing but livelyofgarden parties, moonlight serenades, more and thangenerations 60,000 doorbells. iron gates and get to know one of the classic divas of downtown Cary. colorful strings Christmas lights. of memories being made within her walls. But such is not entirely If you have a connection or favorite memory to share, enter the the case. contest. Who knows? You might become part of her story as well. L For all her current splendor, she has a bit of a spotted past, and
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