It takes a village ... to organize and celebrate Merry Cary

Merry Cary, the old-fashioned celebration that kicks off the village's holiday season, isn't about to mess with tradition.

Instead, it's staying true to its roots by offering fun for the entire family.

"When it comes to tradition, you find over the years that some things just work," said Suzanne Corr, the chamber's executive director and one of the event organizers.

The festivities, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 7, step off with a parade down West Main Street, which will continue down Jandus Road into the downtown.

There will be more than 70 parade entries, with more than 1,000 people marching along the parade route, Corr said.

Prizes will be given for the costumes that are the loudest, the funniest, the most original and the best all around.

The Cary Grove Chamber of Commerce and Cary jointly put on the event, now in its 12th year.

Even with the faltering economy, about 60 local businesses agreed to foot the bill for the holiday festivities, Corr said.

"We're very fortunate we have very generous businesses," Corr said.

Other outdoor activities include riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, a pony rides, holiday wagon rides, a children's train and walking carolers from Holy Cross Lutheran Church - a new addition this year.

Moreover, Boy Scouts from troop 160 will be selling holiday greens, like wreaths and garland.

For those who would rather not brave the cold, indoor fun includes free photos with Santa Claus, playing chess with the Cary Kings National Chess Team, identity fingerprinting with the Cary Police Department, and a demonstration from Focus Martial Arts.

Face painting and hair braiding also will be available.

As well, Cary Junior High School jazz band and the Prairie Hill fifth and sixth grade band are scheduled to perform.

During Merry Cary, chamber members will be collecting cash donations to support Community Christmas, a charity that will furnish local seniors with Christmas gifts and pay for their holiday gathering.

Even in the rain last year, more than 3,000 turned out to get embrace the holiday spirit.

Organizers expect more than 4,000 people to descend on downtown Cary.

"I think it just shows that this is a very traditional, hometown event," Corr said. "It really captures the magic of the holidays, especially for the kids. Now we just have to hope for good weather."