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Overview > Local Scoop > Labels > Bele Chere Labels
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 City’s Capital Program Makes Asheville Civic Center More Sustainable10:30 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - A leaky Asheville Civic Center roof will soon be replaced by a better looking and better insulated roof, as the city’s capital improvement program will give the center energy-efficiency investments over the next five years.
The $1.5 million dollar-roof project began at the end of September and is scheduled to be completed in early January, with contractors taking breaks for heavy rains and to make way for upcoming entertainment acts, such as the Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam, an annual arena sell out. "The economic impact the center has on the city of Asheville is significant. Ninety percent of tickets for the Christmas Jam will be purchased from outside of North Carolina," said interim Civic Center Director Dan Dover. "This past year alone we had more than a quarter of a million attendees, and that figure is on the low side considering the constant exchange of people we have for events such as Bele Chere." The center is the largest facility in Western North Carolina with the 7,200-person capacity Arena, the 2,431-person capacity Thomas Wolf Auditorium, the 450-person capacity Banquet Hall and 25,000 square-feet Exhibit Hall. "The roof project is one of the largest capital investments the facility has seen since 1975 when the civic center was built and the auditorium remodeled," said Dover, who has worked for the Civic Center for nearly 11 years. Thus far, workers have removed most of the old roof and put down a temporary one so the upper concrete columns can be power washed and cracks sealed against further weather damage. After the structural repairs are made, insulation will be laid that is nearly double the previous amount, and the new roof will be installed over it. The fading brown cornish trim on the roof will also be removed and replaced. These new improvements will remove mold growth, increase the facility’s energy efficiency and allow staff to remove the tarps that have been hanging from the arena ceiling and catching drips for the past three years. In addition to the roof project, $250,000 in capital funds budgeted for the Civic Center this year will be spread out over various projects according to the most pressing facility needs. Other smaller capital projects recently completed include an upgraded fire alarm system and new smoke hatches in the stage area of the auditorium. The portable-basketball court flooring is currently being refinished and painted so it is ready for the annual Globetrotter visit and the Crossfire Ministries. The arena is also getting an upgraded electrical system to meet the changing requirements for incoming acts. The installment of three 400-amp three-phase 208 disc connects for additional electrical power will be necessary to accommodate Disney on Ice’s Thanksgiving week show, where they will need the power to run their ice plant. "The city is investing resources to address deferred maintenance and improve the facility so that the condition of the building matches the quality of the entertainment it attracts," said Asheville’s Vice Mayor Jan Davis, who serves as the City Council liaison to the Civic Center Commission. "We want to enhance the patrons’ experience at the Civic Center while managing its operations within our financial means." While the roof replacement is the facility’s largest immediate project, the Civic Center has mapped out a five-year capital plan to help sustain the quality of services it has been offering. Meeting basic codes, improving energy efficiencies, and improving sound and lighting to meet the changing needs of entertainment acts are all part of this plan. Once the roof is complete, work will begin on the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium fire exit, to improve egress from the building. The stage lighting controls and fixtures with 1970’s technology also need to be replaced with more efficient ones that will have an anticipated two to three year payback on energy savings. While the Asheville Civic Center is continually making improvements, it is still very much in high demand, turning down as many acts as it books because dates requested are already booked. It offers a special service to the Asheville area, bringing groups from the community together and groups from outside the area in, positively impacting the economy of the area. The Asheville Civic Center is a regional destination for outstanding entertainment, trade shows and events. The Civic Center offers Western North Carolina diverse entertainment from rock concerts and sporting events to family shows and performing arts. The facility is the heart of downtown Asheville’s arts and entertainment scene. For more information on facilities and events, please visit www.AshevilleCivicCenter.com Labels: asheville, bele chere, civic center, government, sustainable Friday, July 24, 2009 Get Bele Chere Text Updates2:44 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Get the latest in Bele Chere information right to your phone! Opt in to receive Bele Chere Text Alerts, sponsored by U.S Cellular. Just text "ALERT" to 99693 today! Labels: asheville, bele chere
Although No Pets Allowed, Bele Chere Offers Pet-Sitting Service12:45 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - It is important to note that dogs and animals are not permitted with the Bele Chere festival boundaries. This rule will be strictly enforced. Please make arrangements to leave pets at home or to drop them off at the Chain Free Asheville Doggy Jail where they will have a cool and relaxing stay while you stroll around the festival.
Bele Chere is partnering with local non profit, Chain Free Asheville, to provide a dog sitting service for a nominal fee during the festival hours. The "Doggy Jail" will be located between City Hall and the Court House at 70 Court Plaza, right outside of the festival footprint. Labels: asheville, bele chere, pets
Bele Chere Street Map Available Online10:58 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Although the actual Bele Chere footprint has been a little scaled back this year, the amount of fun and festivities remains the same. New to Bele Chere this year will be the participation of the Asheville Civic Center which will host the Food Lion Children’s Area and the Senior Oasis.
You can view and print this map by clicking here, BELE CHERE STREET MAPLabels: asheville, bele chere, events
'Ultimate Air Dogs' Soar into Bele Chere10:23 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - One of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country, ULTIMATE AIR DOGS puts on professional events that draw in thousands of spectators while maintaining a family friendly atmosphere. The shows will take place during the Bele Chere Festival next to the BB&T Building on the corner of College St. and Lexington Ave.
'Ultimate Air Dogs' started as a grassroots Michigan dock jumping club, striving to make every single participant feel important, from the smallest Novice jumper to the biggest Ultimate high flyer! That is why the Divisional Finals was created where the top 5 dogs from each division are invited to compete in a Grand Finale! Another way that we put the dog first, is by providing more open dock time than any other organization. Whenever possible participants will be able to practice. If dogs are having difficulty learning, a crew of volunteers will often provide free help between activities. Every Ultimate Air Dog is equally special. All mixes and breeds are welcome! Dog Registration for this year's event is closed but you can still come down and witness the action at the following times; Friday Splash Event - 1pm Event - 4pm Saturday Splash Event - 12pm Splash Event - 2pm Catch It! - 5pm Sunday Splash Event - 12pm FINALS - 3pm Labels: asheville, bele chere, downtown, events Thursday, July 23, 2009 Bele Chere Offers Park-and-Ride Shuttles10:32 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville will provide continuous express shuttle service and free parking for Bele Chere, July 24 – 26.
To use these services, attendees should park at one of two designated locations and look for the Bele Chere booth selling shuttle tickets. The shuttle will transport people downtown, relieving the hassles associated with finding parking and dealing with traffic. The cost for the shuttle is $2 round trip. Park-and-ride locations include: West Asheville Shuttle: K-Mart on Patton Avenue - Parking location: Use the K-Mart parking area, northeast corner of Patton Avenue (US-19/US-23/US-74) and Louisiana Avenue. - Downtown pick-up/drop-off location: At the Civic Center, the corner of Haywood Street and Flint Street. East Asheville Shuttle: Asheville Mall, Sears Department Store - Parking location: Use the Asheville Mall parking area in the back near the Sears Department Store near White Pine Drive. - Downtown pick-up/drop-off location: At the corner of Market Street and College Street in City/County Plaza. The shuttles will run Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., and; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, contact 253-5691 or visit http://www.belecherefestival.com/.Labels: asheville, bele chere, events Wednesday, July 22, 2009 'Bele Chere Party All Weekend' at the Venue1:00 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Get out of the Heat on the Streets and cool off in The Venue, Asheville's newest full service event facility. Drinks and food will be for sale and the sounds of the Caribbean Cowboys will be playing all weekend long.
A new Event Facility located in the center of downtown Asheville, the Venue offers a specious floor plan of 13,000 + sq feet, with three unique sections. Each section has private entrances - The Market Street level, the Mezzanine and The Second floor with a beautiful balcony area overlooking the mountains of Asheville. "The Venue" offers a variety of services, from rental of china, in-house floral designers to catering services. However, the client has the flexibility to select vendors of their choice. Whether "The Venue" is needed for a Ceremony, a Reception, a Conference or a Private Celebration, the Venue is committed to orchestrate the function with finesse, attention to detail, and excellence in service. The times for the Bele Chere Party are as follows; Friday 5:00 PM-till Saturday 11:00 AM-till Sunday Noon-till Labels: asheville, bele chere, events
Bele Chere 5k Run Kicks-off on July 25th8:40 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The crown jewel of the Western North Carolina road racing scene will be back back for its 30th consecutive running on July 25 this year. The Bele Chere 5K is hosted by the Asheville Track Club and presented by Southcliff. Once again the race will be headquartered at historic McCormick Field. The course represents what running in Asheville is all about: a few moderate climbs, a few fast downhills and friendly people to cheer you on at the race. The race will finish two blocks from the stadium so it is just a short walk for post-race refreshments - courtesy of Citi Stop and Dunkin Donuts - the finish of the Asheville Tourists Fun Run and the awards ceremony.
Face fees are $25 for entries received after July 18 and on the day of the race. Asheville Track Club members receive a $3 discount for the 5K. The fee for the Fun Run is $7 for everyone. $2 from each 5K entry will be donated equally to the Asheville Track Club’s shoe program and the Association for Retarded Citizens. Registration can be done on-line at www.setupevents.com until Wednesday, July 24th at 10 p.m. or by completing the paper entry form. Military units, middle and high school teams, youth camps and youth running clubs may register for $15 each if 5 or more runners register from a single organization. Individual entries must be submitted together in a single envelope by July 19 to receive the discount. On-line registration is not available for group entries. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events Tuesday, July 21, 2009 Bele Chere's Children's Area Moves Locations9:24 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Food Lion Children's Area will be located in the Civic Center this year. The Civic
Center Arena floor will be transformed into downtown Asheville! This exciting location change allows us to run the children's area no matter what the weather forecast calls
for. We will still be offering a mix of free crafts and activities as well as ticketed rides. Programming of the children's area is still in the works- please check the bele chere website often for updates.
Bele Chere offers a Non profit Children's Partner program to Western Carolina non profit 501-C3 agencies. In exchange for running an activity in the Children's Area, organizations are given the opportunity to distribute information about the mission of the organization. Please click here for an application and more information regarding this opportunity.Labels: asheville, bele chere, children, events Monday, July 20, 2009 Asheville's Energy Loop to be Rededicated on Friday9:20 AMThe Rededication will take place Friday, July 24 at 12 noon in the plaza area adjacent to the Buncombe County Health Services Parking Deck on College Street. The Energy Loop, a corrugated metal sculpture, was created by Swannanoa artist Dirck Cruser. Labels: art, asheville, bele chere, events
Bele Chere Inroduces Arts Park8:54 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - The Bele Chere festival has always been known for presenting great entertainment, but recently it has raised the priority and quality of the arts and crafts exhibitors. Hence the creation of Arts Park where the best, most high quality crafts will be located.
Arts Park features the best artists of Bele Chere. These 60 artists are selected by area art professionals. Arts Park Artists display the highest quality work including jewelry, photography, pottery, wood-working, painting and metalwork. New to Arts Park is Artist Demonstrations! A variety of local artists will be demonstrating their work in a special area located near the back of Arts Park. The schedule of artists and their mediums will be listed on the Bele Chere website (www.belechere.com) as soon as they're confirmed! Hours for Arts Park: Friday, noon-9pm, Saturday, 10am-9pm- Sunday noon-6pm. Arts park is located in the Drhumor parking lot and Asheville Savings Bank lots on Patton Avenue between Church Street and Lexington. Labels: art, asheville, bele chere, events Thursday, July 16, 2009 Winner of Bele Chere's 'Last Band Standing' Selected5:53 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Now You See Them is the winner of Last Band Standing Road to Bele Chere! Out of 52 local bands that applied for the battle of the bands-style competition, Now You See Them is the victor, winning a performance slot at Bele Chere, a day of recording at Echo Mountain Studios, and a professional photo shoot by lydia see.
Now You See Them will kick off Bele Chere on Friday, July 24th at 3:30 pm on the Rock n' Kiss Stage. Bele Chere and the City of Asheville would like to thank all of the fans that showed overwhelming support for local music and WNC magazine for making Last Band Standing possible. We'd also like to give a special shout out to all of the bands that applied, especially the four bands that gave us an incredible night of music at the Orange Peel for the final round of Last Band Standing: Buster, Brushfire Stankgrass, Now You See Them, and A.C.E. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, music Friday, July 10, 2009 Bele Chere Announces Drumming Tent Schedule12:15 PM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - Bele Chere is pleased to partner with The Roots of Rhythm to present the Lexington Avenue Drumming Tent. Come and experience the sound and feel of drumming through a variety of performances and interactive sessions facilitated by Roots of Rhythm. The Drumming Tent will be located at the intersection of Walnut and Lexington Streets. Drumming Tent Schedule Friday, July 24, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2008
Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, music Monday, June 29, 2009 Bele Chere Gets Back to Basics9:11 AM.jpg)
ASHEVILLE, NC - This year's Bele Chere will certainly set a different tone than it has in recent memory. Over the years, the festival has grown beyond expectation, with some unforeseen consequences. Big name bands had headlined multiple stages with 25 dollar tickets, and last year the entertainment budget was nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Though the money was still pouring into downtown, Bele Chere had lost something that had made it unique to Asheville. This year's festivities will include fewer performers, shorter hours, and a greater emphasis on local bands and music. Despite the reductions, there are benefits to the truncated entertainment; it's free. Not to mention, the budget will be less than half of what it was in 2008. In an effort to redefine the festival, Asheville Parks and Recreation will be including 43 acts compared with last year's 57. With a focus on local bands, including names like The Afromotive, Balsam Range, Sons of Ralph and David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, it would appear that the city is returning to the original mission of Bele Chere which was to promote local art and business. The festival will also be shutting down earlier, at 10 p.m., in an effort to coerce the crowds into downtown bars and restaurants. The main stage on Lexington Ave. will become a drum circle. Two food courts will be set up. One at Pritchard Park and the Taste of Asheville will be setup around the Vance monument. The children's area will be located in the Civic Center along the Senior's Oasis in an effort to provide an air conditioned venue as well. The line up is as follows: Friday: Winner of the Last Band Standing contest, Nikki Talley, The Dirty Guv'nahs, Tennessee Hollow, The Afromotive, The Hip Abduction, Stephaniesid, The Two Man Gentlemen Band, Bull's Gap Headliners - Cracker, Freekbass, Dar Williams Saturday: Bayou Diesel, Hot Politics, Christabel & the Jons, Laura Blackley Band Fusebox Funk, Charles Sayles, Highly Kind, Ras Allen, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O'Blues, WSNB, GFE, Sons of Ralph, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Delta Moon, Drew Holcombe & the Neighbors, David Holt & the Lightning Bolts. Headliners - Colt Ford, Old 97's. Sunday: Carolina Gator Gumbo, Skinny Legs & All, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Marsupials. Orleans, Webb Wilder & the Beatnecks, Brother Joscephus & the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra, Chuck Brodsky. Labels: asheville, attractions, bele chere, events, music Wednesday, May 13, 2009 'Battlle of the Bands' Winner to Perform at Bele Chere3:11 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Think your group has what it takes to make it to the stage at Bele Chere? Then consider participating in a battle-of-the-bands competition, "Last Band Standing," to win an opportunity to perform at the Bele Chere 2009 Festival on the Biltmore or Battery Park stage. Fans will vote online from June 8-24 to narrow the field and determine the top five bands that will face off at a battle of the bands-style concert at the Orange Peel on July 8. The winning band will be announced immediately following the live performances and will receive a time slot to perform on stage at Bele Chere July 24-26 along with other prizes. The Orange Peel will host the event 7 p.m. July 8 and will be free and available in June. Western North Carolina bands and musicians in the following counties are encouraged to apply: Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Graham, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Jackson, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey, Watauga and Wilkes. Applications are now available on the official Bele Chere Web site at www.belecherefestival.com. Applications are free to submit and will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 3. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, music Monday, April 27, 2009 Asheville's Bele Chere - FAQ8:33 AM
FAQWhat is Bele Chere? When is the festival?
Where exactly is Bele Chere? Who produces Bele Chere? What does Bele Chere mean? How do I get there? If I drive, where can I park? Where can I catch the shuttle? What if I need help once I get there? Where can I get some extra cash?
How can I find out what streets are going to be closed? Can I buy beer at Bele Chere? NOTE: Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street is prohibited after 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday. SUNDAY IS ALCOHOL-FREE. How do I get the wristband? Can I bring my own cooler? Can I bring my pet to the festival? How long has Bele Chere been around? How many people attend Bele Chere? Bele Chere 2008 Information | Bele Chere 2007 Information Labels: asheville, bele chere, events Friday, April 3, 2009 Bele Chere 5k Registration Begins4:30 PM
ASHEVILLE, NC - Registration opens today for the 30th consecutive running of the Bele Chere 5K, presented by Southcliff Asheville.
More than 1,400 runners are expected for the 5K and the Asheville Tourists Fun on Saturday, July 25 at McCormick Field. As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, the Asheville Track Club will provide technical shirts for the first 1,400 runners registered for the 5K, pre-race coffee and post-race breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts, and commemorative awards. The first 100 Fun Run entrants will receive a T-shirt and water bottle. To register for both races, visit www.ashevilletrackclub.org, or to register just for the 5K, visit www.setupevents.com (click on Other events) for the 5K. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events Monday, March 30, 2009 Bele Chere Extends Deadline for Asheville Restaurants6:00 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC The city has extended the deadline for Asheville restaurants to apply for the Taste of Asheville food court at the 31st annual Bele Chere Festival, July 24-26. The Taste of Asheville food court offers restaurants the opportunity to sell food to approximately 300,000 festival attendees. All restaurants located within the city limits are eligible to participate. Priority will be given to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis and to non-chain restaurants. Taste of Asheville booths are offered at up to a 70 percent discount from the non-local food vendor rate and tents will be provided. The early application deadline to receive a beverage fee waiver, a $750 value, has been extended to April 10. All applications must be postmarked by April 17. For more information and an application, contact Kristin Pérez at 828-259-5800 or kperez@ashevillenc.gov. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, restaurants Friday, March 27, 2009 Asheville City Invites Public to Bele Chere Meeting8:22 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC – The City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has announced a series of meetings to provide information about plans for the 2009 Bele Chere Festival, being held July 24 – 26 in downtown Asheville. Changes for the 2009 event will be presented followed by a question and answer session.
While the meetings are mainly designed for downtown Asheville business owners, all downtown stakeholders are welcome to attend. Meetings will be held Monday, March 30 at 3 p.m. in the Grove Arcade Conference Room at 1 Page Avenue, Wednesday, April 1 at 5 p.m. in the City of Asheville Economic Development Office at 29 Haywood Street, and Wednesday, April 8 at 9 a.m. in the YMI Cultural Center at 39 S. Market Street. Bele Chere is produced by the City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and is the largest free street festival in the Southeast. For more information, visit www.belecherefestival.com or call (828) 259-5800. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events Monday, March 16, 2009 Bele Chere Calls on Asheville Restaurants9:20 AM
ASHEVILLE, NC - The City of Asheville is issuing a call to Asheville restaurants for the Taste of Asheville food court at the 31st annual Bele Chere Festival, happening July 24-26. The Taste of Asheville food court offers restaurants the opportunity to sell fare to approximately 300,000 festival attendees. All restaurants located within the city limits of Asheville are eligible to participate. Priority will be given to applicants on a first come, first served basis and to non-chain restaurants. Taste of Asheville booths are offered at up to a 70% discount from the non-local food vendor rate and tents will be provided. In addition, applications postmarked by March 20th will also receive a beverage fee waiver - a $750 value. Space is limited, so please send in your application as soon as possible as we expect to sell out quickly! All applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 3, 2009. For more information and an application, contact Kristin Pérez at 828-259-5800 or kperez@ashevillenc.gov Bele Chere is produced by the City of Asheville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department. For more information on Bele Chere, please visit www.belecherefestival.com. Labels: asheville, bele chere, events, restaurants Previous Posts
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