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Events All Weekend at Bele Chere; Asheville.com a Proud Sponsor


Bele Chere is turning 30! The South�s ultimate entertainment, arts and food festival celebrates its big 3-0, this weekend, July 25-27, 2008, in downtown Asheville, NC. Internationally known as a cultural hub, Asheville is one of the East Coast�s most vibrant cities recently named �Best Southern Town� by Outside Magazine. Drawing more than 300,000 visitors, Bele Chere offers the unique opportunity to see, taste and hear some of the region�s finest art, cuisine and music. The best part of the event, it�s FREE!

A list of events is below:

  • The 4th Annual Bele Chere Urban Challenge: If you love Survivor, The Apprentice, The Amazing Race and other reality�TV competition shows, you are going to love the Bele Chere Urban Challenge! At the end of the festival, one lucky contestant will walk away with the ultimate title and prize! Pack Square.
  • Rashad McCants Shoot For The Cure: Rashad McCants, a member of the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and native of Asheville, will be hosting a half-court shot contest to raise money for Feed the Children and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Western North Carolina. Preliminary rounds will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 3:00pm. The final round for the $10,000.00 prize will be held on Sunday. This event is open to all ages and sure to please everyone. Coxe Ave. near the Rock n� Kiss Stage.
  • Bele Chere 30th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: This interactive event gives festival goers the chance to earn a Bele Chere prize by testing their knowledge of the festival, downtown Asheville, and local merchants. Forms available at Festival Information Booths.
  • Ingles presents the Purina Ultimate Air Dogs: A collection of some of the country�s most impressive dock diving canines are set to entertain fans at Bele Chere! Show times are Friday at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 with competition at 5:00; Saturday at 11:00, Noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 with competition at 5:00; and Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 with competition at 4:00. BB&T Lot between College and Patton Ave.
  • YES Interactive Rides, Inflatables and Games: Hop on board the Merry-Go-Round, take a ride down the Giant Slide or climb high above the festival for a birds-eye view in a Ferris Wheel! This area features interactive rides and games for children of all ages including mechanical swings, moon bounces, a sports arena, radar pitch, double shots, trackless train and more. Open the duration of the festival. College Street and Renaissance parking lot.
  • The Children�s Area presented by Food Lion: The Children�s Area will feature activities and entertainment around the history, heritage and culture of Western North Carolina. Open until 9 pm Friday-Saturday, 6 pm Sunday. Renaissance Parking Lot.
  • Roots of Rhythm sm Drumming Tent: Jim Seidel brings his Roots of Rhythm sm to Bele Chere 2008. Jim Seidel will invite the audience to use drums and percussion instruments from around the world that honor the heritage and traditions of many cultures. Open until 9 pm Friday-Saturday, 6 pm Sunday. Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street.
  • Bele Chere Souvenir Sales Booths � Posters, t-shirts, lapel pins and more. Friday 12-11 pm; Saturday 10 am-11 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. College Street, Pack Square and Patton Ave. at Haywood Street.
  • Sensodyne Dental Health Spa - The Sensodyne Dental Health Spa is touring the country to provide dental education in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Location TBA.
  • Pillsbury Campaign for a Sweeter America - Join the Pillsbury� Doughboy� on the Campaign for a Sweeter America! You can vote for your favorite candidate at our campaign stop at Bele Chere in Asheville, NC or you can vote online on a daily basis at http://www.pillsburybaking.com. Location TBA.
  • Be a Kiss Country Asheville Star � Listen to Kiss Country starting in July to be the next Asheville Star! Contestants that have pre-qualified will sing Friday and Saturday at the Kiss Country Karaoke booth, Finals will be held on Sunday. Pack Square.
  • Misting Tents � Friday 12-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-9 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Located at Pritchard Park and College at Market St. Art on the Street including:
  • Arts Park presented by CITIZEN-TIMES.com: Featuring the Best of the Best artists of Bele Chere, these juried artists span many mediums to include jewelry, photography, pottery, wood-working and painting. Friday 12-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-9 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Drhumor Parking Lot and Asheville Savings Bank Lot.
  • Faces of Bele Chere, Interactive Caricature by Brian Vasilik: Enjoy watching a wall of faces grow as this outstanding local artist captures festival-goers caricature style on a large mural. Personal caricatures available for a fee. Pack Square near Taste of Asheville.
  • 30th Anniversary Gigantic Puzzle: Have fun with this interactive puzzle featuring a collage of posters from the years of Bele Chere including the 2008 Bele Chere poster. Friday 12-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-10 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Location TBA.
  • Wall Mural: Paint a mural on the Streets of Bele Chere. Friday 12-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-10 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Patton Ave at Coxe Avenue.
  • Home Run Derby � 6-11:30 pm. Divisions are: Youth 6 pm; Women 7 pm; and Men 8 pm. Registration on-site. Martin Luther King Park.
    Friday, July 25
  • Bele Chere Autocross: 10 am-6 pm. Charlotte Street. Saturday, July 26
  • Bele Chere 5K and Fun Run: 5K Run at 8 am; Fun Run at 8:45 am. McCormick Field. For registration information contact The Asheville Track Club, (828) 252-7867.
    Saturday, July 26
  • City-Wide Softball Tournament: All day with championship game at 8 pm. Games played at Martin Luther King Park, Montford Field and Livingston Street Field. (Preliminary games played Monday-Thursday at City of Asheville Fields.)
    Saturday, July 26
Asheville.com is a proud sponsor of this year's Bele Chere Festival.

For more information about Bele Chere, contact festival staff at 828-259-5800 or visit www.belecherefestival.com.

(Images provided by Bele Chere.)



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