🫏 Donkey Kong, A Duck, $73 and Receipts

👋 Good Morning, Apex! Today is Thursday, July 9, 2026 and this is the 79th weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

Happy 45th birthday to Donkey Kong. 🎂 On July 9, 1981, Nintendo officially released the arcade game featuring the gorilla.

But why name a gorilla… donkey?

When Shigeru Miyamoto was naming the character, he used a Japanese-to-English dictionary to find a word that meant "stubborn and goofy." The dictionary gave him the word "Donkey." He paired it with "Kong" (which was Japanese slang for any big gorilla).

But as it turns out, actual donkeys aren't stubborn at all — they're incredibly smart, cautious, and possess flawless 25-year memories.

🫏 A donkey can remember a specific pasture, a specific trail, and other animals or humans they met just once for up to 25 years.

Which means if a literal donkey lived here in the Peak of Good Living, it would perfectly remember the year 2001 — the exact year Apex was growing so fast we had to pack up and move into our current Town Hall campus at 73 Hunter Street.

When the town built that campus, they intentionally gave it the address 73 Hunter Street as a permanent historical Easter egg to honor 1873, the year Apex was officially incorporated.

Speaking of the number 73, North Carolina has a weird monopoly on it. Interstate 73 (I-73) is supposed to eventually run all the way from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, up to Michigan. However, because other states have delayed construction indefinitely, North Carolina is currently the only state in the country where I-73 actually exists, is completed, and is signed. It runs right through the heart of the Piedmont (Greensboro/Asheboro). If you are driving on I-73, you are guaranteed to be in NC.

So what’s my point?

Downtown Apex is undergoing major construction. It’s caused a big time slow in foot traffic (aka revenue) to those downtown businesses.

In honor of my ability to take today’s date, tie it to a gorilla, and weave it all the way through a donkey and a highway named I-73… I challenge you to go downtown this weekend and spend $73 🦍 

If you can. Or $7.30. The number of times I have seen people say something to the effect of, “I haven’t been downtown since construction started” is crazy to me. You think traffic is going to be bad? It’s not. Think it’s going to be hard to find a parking spot? It’s easier than ever.

Alleyway Bookstore is about to be gone. Groovy Duck Bakery is opening it’s doors for the first time today. We have iconic spots like Anna’s Pizzeria and La Rancherita. We have fun shops like North Left, Stylish Living, Adventures in Bloom, Artfully Apex… You can find awesome stuff at The Studio and Antiques on Main. There’s Mrs. Weekly’s wardrobe provider, Rose & Lee.

You can get the best haircut in Apex from Hue or Lauren at the Huenique Barbershop. Live music and good drinks at Salem Street Pub, Oaklyn Springs, or Peak of the Vine. You can grab Frasketta Pizza and then a good drink at Highcraft.

There’s the new-ish Lichen or Knot and the brand new Joyfully House. There’s great coffee and treats at Foxtail, Popovers Cafe, and Common Grounds..

And I’m not even gonna tell you about the Provincial because IYKYK.

I know I’m going to kick myself tomorrow for leaving someone out. Oh… Hunky Dory! And Perky Lady 👀 

Downtown Apex can feel kind of small until you really start to list it out. And I know there’s some construction and a block of one-way traffic. But take it from me - someone who is introverted, avoids congestion, and hates traffic - it’s a non issue. I’ll see you downtown Apex this weekend!

Miscellaneous Info:

🖼️ An Artist Retrospective
This historic retrospective celebrates Susan Parrish’s restless creativity, material ingenuity, and deep engagement with the environment and human experience, revealing a singular voice in North Carolina’s contemporary art scene. Show runs July 10 - August 30 at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

💃 Summer Fun Dance
Kick off the season with a brand-new event that’s all about sunshine, smiles, and sweet moves! The Summer Fun Dance at The Halle Cultural Arts Center is where kids and parents can groove together to a mix of family-friendly tunes — from nostalgic throwbacks to today’s hottest hits. Find info and get tickets here.

💦 Water Conservation Ordinance
Our year-round water conservation ordinance remains in effect. Odd addresses may water Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday, and even addresses may water Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday. Avoid automated irrigation on Mondays. Hand-watering is allowed any day of the week!

🚀 Launch Apex Applications
Are you interested in free business training, mentorship, and networking? LaunchAPEX may be the program for you! Applications close once 50 applicants are received, or on July 17. Apply here.

🛡️ Numbers 4 Hope Bingo Benefit
On July 23rd, local anti-trafficking nonprofit, Shield NC, is hosting a Bingo Benefit at the Apex Senior Center. The doors will open at 5:30 and the first game will begin promptly at 6:00. Most prizes are worth $50 with many valued over $100! All proceeds go towards helping to end human trafficking in our communities.

Things to Do This Weekend in Apex:

Thursday, July 9

🧒 Toddler Storytime
9:30am | Eva Perry Regional Library

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Storytime
10:30am | Eva Perry Regional Library

🏃‍♂️ NCRC Bottle Theory Weekly Social Run/Walk
6pm | Bottle Theory

🏃‍♀️ Southern Peak Brewery Run Club
6:30pm | Southern Peak Brewery

Friday, July 10

🚬 Micallef Jeremy at Salem Street Cigars
5pm | Salem Street Cigars (formerly Apex Cigar Lounge)

🖼️ Opening Reception: Artist Retrospective (Susan Parrish)
6pm-8pm | The Halle

🐶 Pints + Puppies: Monthly Adoption Option!
6pm - 7:30pm | Southern Peak Brewery

🎸 Live Music: Fast Lane
7pm | Oaklyn Springs Brewery

🎸 Live Music: Covered in Jam
8pm | Backyard Bar

Saturday, July 11

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
8am - 12pm | The Depot

🏃‍♀️ Run Club Apex
Meet at 9am | Foxtail Coffee

🛍️ Apex Underground Market
11am - 3pm | Sweetwater Town Center

🎬️ Summer Movie Matinee: Dirty Dancing
2:30pm | Eva Perry Regional Library

💃 Summer Fun Dance
5pm - 7pm | The Halle

🎤 Live Music: Maskell Freeman Band
8pm | Peak of the Vine

💾 90’s Night
8pm | Oaklyn Springs Brewery

Tuesday, July 14

☘️ Invasive Plant Removal Workday
10am - Noon | Kelly Road Park

🐮 Chick-fil-A Peakway Kids Night
4pm - 8pm | Chick-fil-A (Highest Street)

👩‍🌾 Simple Gifts Community Garden Work Day
5pm - 7pm | 3109 Tingen Rd

Wednesday, July 15

🎬️ Wednesday Morning Movie
10am - 12pm | The Halle

Local Business Updates

🎂 Groovy Duck Bakery (NOW OPEN)
Groovy Duck Bakery opens today in downtown Apex! The new bakery will feature chunky cookies, cupcakes, muffins, scones, pretzels, bars, a variety of bread loaves, decorated shortbread cookies, and custom cakes — all baked fresh daily.

📍 Groovy Duck Bakery Apex
101 N. Salem St

🗓️ Thursday, July 9
🕗 Doors open at 8:00 AM
✂️ Ribbon Cutting at 11:00 AM

🦆 FREE Groovy Duck for the first 100 guests
☕ FREE drip coffee for all first responders

🪣 The Rusty Bucket Retirement Celebration

Over the next two months, The Rusty Bucket will be taking steps to close the shop at Neighbor Boy Farms with a Retirement Closing Sale.

Starting this weekend (July 10-11), all inventory* at Neighbor Boy Farm
will be 30% off. (*1803 Candles NOT INCLUDED IN SALE PRICING).

Pam is awesome and an Apex legend. Read her retirement note here and then go spend some of that $73 here to help her clear out the inventory!

🚜 The Peak Weekly Farm Series

🫐 Pack House Farm & Farrells Creek Farm

This article was written by The Peak Weekly’s amazing content contributor, Susan McGrath

This week we’re featuring two local Apex farms that offer blueberry and blackberry picking — Pack House Farm and Farrells Creek Farm.

Pack House Farm, located at 1896 Marthas Chapel Road in Apex, is owned by Beth and Kevin Farrell, and Farrells Creek Farm, located at 1970 Marthas Chapel Road in Apex, is owned by Karen Reed.

Blueberry and blackberry picking is happening now at both farms (but be sure to check their Instagram accounts or call the numbers listed above for the most up-to-date info). Pack House Farm’s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday. Farrells Creek Farm’s hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Whether this is your first time blueberry and blackberry picking or you’re a repeat customer, here are some tips to make sure your visit is a success.

• Wear closed-toe shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen, hats, and bug spray!  Picking is best in the morning.

• Kids are encouraged, but please do not bring pets to the farm for food safety purposes.

• Water and frozen treats will be available for purchase. Picking berries is hot work!

The season doesn’t last long, so get out there and pick some blueberries and blackberries at Farrells Creek Farm and Pack House Farm while you have the chance!

Pack House Farm
1896 Marthas Chapel Rd
Apex, NC 27523
919-210-6574
[email protected]
https://packhousefarm.com
Instagram: @packhousefarm 

Farrells Creek Farm
1970 Marthas Chapel Rd
Apex, NC 27523
919-592-4981
Instagram: @farrellscreekfarm

Civic News:

⚠️ Data Exposure Update
In an effort to keep you updated on the data exposure caused by the Town of Apex which exposed over 31,000 records - most of which included resident names, emails, phone numbers, home addresses, and messages they sent to the Town of Apex…

This week I heard back from the State’s top Privacy Officer within the Office of Privacy and Data Protection within the NCDIT.

She confirmed that she spoke with the Town’s IT Director and confirmed both the existence of the data exposure and confirmed that the Town did act to mitigate the exposure and the 31,000+ records of resident data is no longer exposed.

So for those who played into Mahaffey’s narrative that I make these things up and my reporting is always false… I am still batting a thousand and still always come with receipts. So here’s another one:

This story isn’t over yet. Waiting on a few things from the State and then I’ll follow up with more soon. But for now, rest easy knowing that your data is a little safer today. That’s two data exposures that I’ve discovered and got fixed in less than six months! Just a word of advice if you ever discover a Town of Apex data breach, since I’m basically an expert now… be prepared to be shunned, ignored and treated like you are the one who did something wrong by the entire Town Council, Town Manager, Town Attorney and others.

Upcoming Meetings:

Monday, July 13
Planning Board Meeting
4:30pm | Town Hall

A Look Ahead:

July 17
Pickleball Palooza | Apex Nature Park

July 18
SuperFun Saturday | The Halle

July 18
Open House for Kidstowne Playground Project Renovation

July 23
Numbers 4 Hope Bingo Benefit | Apex Senior Center

July 24
Afternoon in the Garden | Apex Nature Park

July 24
Moth Night | Apex Nature Park

July 31
Splash Blash | Pleasant Park

In Case You Missed it:

🏞️ National Parks and Recreation Month
Every July, the Town of Apex celebrates National Parks & Rec Month. Celebrations kick off with today’s Learning Lunch and continue throughout the month with events like Pickleball Palooza, Rhythm & Reels, Splash Bash and more. All events will, of course, be included in the newsletter throughout the month but you can also see details here.

🍂 Fall Program Registration
Quick reminder that the Fall Program Guides are online now. Registration begins the morning of July 20. Fall Program Guide | Fall Senior Program Guide

🆕 JoyFully House (Now Open)
Now open at 118 N Salem St, JoyFully House is described as a joyful gathering space for Turkish coffee, curated finds, meaningful moments, and inspiring experiences in the heart of Downtown Apex. Go check them out in person and follow them on Instagram here.

A Final Note:

Thank you for taking time out of your day today to read this week’s edition of The Peak Weekly. If you love it, please forward it to a friend. If you don’t love it, please unsubscribe.

And, as always, if you have any ideas of how to make this newsletter better, want to nominate a local business or organization to be featured, or anything else, please respond to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

See you next Thursday... 😘