Looking back at a big news week in Ashvegas

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Randomness from the week that was:

– J. Neal Jackson launched his campaign for Asheville City Council during a street party down on Eagle Street. The pop culture identifier of the day was the sale of Michael Jackson R.I.P. T-shirts. Did anyone get me one?

– The ground-breaking ceremony for Mountain Housing Opportunities’ Glen Rock Hotel project was quite the event. I’m sorry I missed it. This project has long been on the books, and appears to me to be one of the most ambitious development projects I’ve seen lately. If it’s successful, I think it could it has the potential to really boost the River District zone, which is really coming into its own.

– Back to the Eagle Street area: Anybody got an update on Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church’s plans to demolish two old buildings they own down there? 

– Any reports from the Asheville Art Museum’s big 60th anniversary party at the Orange Peel? It looked to be a big time, but it came on Saturday, the day after the big Beer Bash. I couldn’t do both in one weekend.

– Speaking of the Beer Bash: What a frackin’ party. The place was packed out – I’m guessing 600 or 700 people, all enjoying local hand-made beer and some great music by Rat Jackson, Wilsin and Floating Action. I was just amazed at how many people came out to the event.

I had more than one person ask me if the Beer Bash was going to be an annual event. My answer – I sure hope so. I think a great new summer event was born this weekend and should continue. Asheville beer lovers, what say you?