Some even closed up shop altogether and joined the flocks of beach-bound local residents that used the weekend as a de facto vacation period. But despite critical outpouring, Bele Chere continued to grow.
It expanded its impact, footprint and itinerary as crowd estimates soared from the ,s to nearly , in most recent years. It took in more food vendors, many of which bore no relation to the developing local foodscape. And bigger musical acts began gracing the stages, leaving many area festival goers wondering why the Gin Blossoms were booked so far past their prime. But while many residents will join hands and remember the dark period that stained the last weekend of July for 35 years in a row, for many, fonder memories will persist.
If you can find an Asheville resident that was around over 30 years ago, an increasingly rare task, he or she may wax on about kinder days with smaller, calmer crowds and a relaxing yet bountiful atmosphere of local arts and crafts. They might describe the clack of his heels on a stack of wooden boards and the slowed down, drawn out hums-turned-sighs just before leaning back into a chorus.
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. It only takes a moment. The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community.
Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained.
All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion. At least Bele Chere was old enough to run for president 35 yrs old and rent a car in North Carolina. Weird music choices aside. Maybe the few remaining local music festivals learn from economic crash landings.
I love Bele Chere. I have lived here many years and gone every year for all three days. I find the street preachers and opponents to be good theater. I had a friend here last year from Austin and she could have spent the entire festival at Pritchard Park watching the show. She thought it was funny and entertaining; get over yourself, people, enjoy life for a change.
I think the snobs on City Council will figure out how much money this festival is bringing into the city only after it is gone. If you are a business in downtown that does not make money then you are either incompetent or closed.
This so-called premier citizen who owns the Fine Arts theater and Blue Spiral: who do you think you are? A stupid snob, in my opinion, who over values your own worth and opinion. So moves on or something…get a life or move to some upper class city where you can sit in the air conditioning and sip on white wine while listening to Beethoven.
I have a friend who has lived in India for many years and she truly believes in festivals; they have a lot in India. Festivals raise the vibration in an area because people are happy. I can only assume that those who hate Bele Chere are miserable human beings with no hope of happiness…go protest somewhere else, please, let those who enjoy life have a good time without you. I hope those who live in Asheville and enjoy life and living will band together and vote out the snobs on city council and the self-centered egotists who think they are somehow better than everyone else and continue on with Bele Chere.
I think if an events producer was wanting to see an opportunity there certainly is one to be had in Asheville. But where would you host it? Street festivals are fun but I think part of the problem is taking over the successful areas of downtown for so many days. Not sure where would be a suitable area to host such a thing were it ever to come back around in some other form or fashion. Is it really? Especially after the Public Safety costs Police, Fire, street barricades, etc.
Does anybody have figures? There are many free street festivals in countless other cities, but not many can claim to offer the top-notch national entertainment that this festival brings to Asheville every year. If you have the perseverance, you could very well attend all three days of the festival and take in as many free concerts as you like. Bele Chere is a fantastic opportunity for people, not only from Asheville, but also from all over the country to enjoy amazing entertainment and a festival environment free of charge.
The Bele Chere Festival is situated in heart of downtown Asheville, which is roughly halfway in between Charlotte and Knoxville. You can drive or take the shuttle from the east or west. The roundtrip ticket for the shuttle is just a few dollars. The east shuttle from the east departs from the back parking lot of the Asheville Mall, which is located on Tunnel Road. The festival organizers encourage people to take advantage of the shuttle service, as parking may be difficult to locate downtown.
Shuttle begin operating one hour before the festival, which begins at noon on Friday and Sunday and 10 a. Downtown parking lots are available during the days of the festival if you do decide to drive. Since the festival is located in the heart of downtown Asheville you will have no problem locating a wide variety of accommodations in the area. This festival does, however, bring a good amount of people in from out of town and hotels fill up quickly.
The Bele Cher Festival closed operations in and no longer exists. Please see other North Carolina events in the area.
0コメント