Asheville News

Open thread: Has Asheville lost its seasonal sizzle?

Jason Sandford December 1, 2010

Jason Sandford

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

I think Asheville needs to get more into the Christmas spirit. There’s not going to be any ice skating this year at the Asheville Civic Center once again, and there aren’t any weekend fireworks planned through the month like there was last year. (Thank you, Grove Park Inn.) I saw more wreaths going up around downtown on Monday, but I haven’t seen any lights on the Vance Monument yet.

It also seems like there’s an opportunity being missed by not having lights and a little Christmas party in our new Pack Square Park. After years of unfinished construction, the park finally opened this year. Why not string a bunch of lights, break out some hot cider, find a local band and have a holiday party to celebrate?

Asheville, get your Christmas on.

What’s on your mind?

Jason Sandford

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

Launch party for Asheville author’s book is Thursday at Malaprop’s; novel named a top teen book of 2010 by NPR

On the streets of Ashvegas: Parade cheerleader

4 Comments

Neeley December 2, 2010

For sure it seems a blander, less festive season this year in terms of holiday decoration. I'm guessing this is due to a weak economy and the continuing gentrification of this city.

You can still count on the crappy decorations at the mall stores, and the stuff at the Biltmore House which is way too expensive to attract many locals. My neighbor works there and said that tourist visits are down at Biltmore this year.

Don't get me started about the new Pack Square — it looks pretty barren year round, but especially in winter. Maybe it will age better, but right now I'm very disappointed about how sterile and cold the park seems, talk about bland and generic, that park could be in any city anywhere. After all the cost overruns and years of delays, there is still no proper stage and full public amenities as promised. A big failure for the Pack Square Conservancy organization.

Reply
mayor_of_BBQ December 2, 2010

no
no
no
isn't there enough overblown christmas cheer to go around?

Reply
BahHumbug December 1, 2010

And so why is this "Christmas" thing so special, anyway? I don't hear you clamoring for any Hanukkah decorations, or Yule cheer, or Kwanzaa celebrations….

Reply
Frank Bloom December 1, 2010

There is a Christmas party planned for the Pack Park area carrying over into the Pack Place Tavern afterwards this weekend. Sandie Rhodes (Parade coordinator) is working on this as well. I don't have all of the details in front of me. (check in with the Downtown Assoc. about it)

Reply