Closed for Bele Chere 2012: Grey Eagle, Bywater, Fine Arts Theatre, more

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Jason Sandford

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

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Bele Chere 2012, Asheville’s big annual street party, will bring thousands to downtown Asheville this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But it will also keep plenty of people away, including some business owners who will close their businesses.

Noteworthy closings:

The Fine Arts Theatre: Owner John Cram is well-known for his dislike of Bele Chere’s unwashed masses.

The Bywater: Not downtown, but a great oasis. Owners say they’re going to take the weekend to take a much-needed break.

Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar: Mountain Xpress notes their closure.

The Grey Eagle: Another business that, while not downtown, takes a pass on Bele Chere weekend, likely because the music spot doesn’t want to compete with all the free music available at the fest.

Image link for closed sign.

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Jason Sandford

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

  • 1

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11 Comments

  1. tony kiss July 27, 2012

    Another closing: Asheville Wine Market. While always closed during Bele Chere, the Fine Arts Theater will be dark until Aug. 3, as they isntall new digital projectors.

    Reply
  2. Relax & Rejuvenate July 26, 2012

    I own a local Massage Therapy business and applied to have a booth doing chair massage. The bele Chere committee turned down our application because they said we were not in the footprint of the festival even though we are seriously close. I was a little dishheartend to say the least. They definitely have vendors from all over, and we provide a service that I think would be welcomed at Bele Chere! It seems like it’s time to adjust some things at Bele Chere to make it possible for local businesses to take part.

    Reply
  3. Orbit DVD July 25, 2012

    TV Eye on Lexington Ave. will be OPEN regular hours this weekend. Stop by to see tourists flee in disgust.

    Reply
  4. Sean July 25, 2012

    Tiger Mountain is going to be open, but we’re checking IDs and only letting in locals.

    Reply
    1. Jason Sandford July 25, 2012

      lol Sean. nice.

      Reply
  5. Nancy Sokolove July 25, 2012

    The Asheville Art Museum is OPEN this year during Bele Chere! Come escape the heat for some excellent visual art, including the newest exhibition: internationally renown artist Mel Chin, as well as an excellent exhibition of Robert Motherwell prints, a beautiful large sculpture by Hoss Haley, our New Media Gallery presents 10 NC-based new media artists (and that space has the best a/c, btw), and for all you folks w/ little ones – our phenomenal Art PLAYce for Children (accompanied by their adult(s).)

    Reply
  6. FDR July 25, 2012

    Bele Chere is not good for any business in Asheville. Customers stay away or the businesses are closed. Move or change the festival. It does not have an identity. It’s not an art or craft show. From what I have seen it it made up of nothing but the venders you see at any town festival in WNC. Bele Chere is not good for any body especially Asheville.

    If Asheville is such an art town then why not have a huge juried fine art show that brings in artist and potters from all over the US. Greenville does it, why can’t we…
    It would be fare and keep the amateur artist, jewelers and craftsman out.

    And change the date to either fall or spring not the hottest time of the year….

    Reply
  7. Amanda Leslie July 25, 2012

    Yep, NC Stage closes annually for Bele Chere. It’s not a great weekend for Asheville performing arts.

    Reply
  8. Fat Albert July 24, 2012

    My guess is that this will be a growing trend for years to come. More and more businesses will decide to close during Bele Chere. It’s become nothing more than a big drunkfest.

    Reply

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