Time to think about Bele Chere

Jason Sandford

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

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This was an interesting note from the city of Ashvegas – City Council is hosting a forum at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, in the Ashvegas Civic Center banquet hall to get people’s feedback on the big Bele Chere bash.

You’ve heard all the complaints before – there’s not enough local music; the festival’s gotten too big; the festival hurts local businesses. Whatever your beef is, now’s the time to address it:

“We want to make sure Bele Chere continues to reflect what citizens want in a community celebration, and so we’re inviting the public to have a voice in the festival’s planning process,” said Mayor Terry Bellamy.

After the forum, a summary report containing all public input will be distributed to City Council members, the Bele Chere Advisory Board and the public. The information will also be posted at www.ashevillenc.gov.

“The Bele Chere board wants to get feedback from the citizens so we can incorporate the community’s vision into planning for this year’s festival,” said Debi Smith, Bele Chere Advisory board chair. “Citizen input is key to the festival’s success.”

The Bele Chere Advisory Board will host additional information sessions about the festival throughout its planning stages.

Citizens who are unable to attend the forum may submit written comments to [email protected].

Additional information about Bele Chere is available at www.belecherefestival.com For more information about the upcoming forum, contact Melissa Porter at 259-5689 or [email protected].