Block party returns

The Urban Trail Block Party, an event aimed at showcasing Asheville’s African-American business district known as The Block, kicks off a series of four parties beginning Saturday on Eagle and Market streets downtown.

“It’s really to show people some of what’s going on here,” said J. Neal Jackson of Eagle’s Market convenience store, who is one of the event organizers. “We’ve got nice restaurants down here—Limones and Ophelia’s and One Love—two beauty salons, a shoe store, a drumming store, my convenience store, offices. We want people to come down and have a good time.”

The block parties, put on by the Diversity Is Our Trademark organization, will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Saturday, June 14, and the same hours on the second Saturdays in July, August and September. Crystal Kind, Motor Skills and West Sound will provide live music this week, while merchants will show off their arts, crafts and wares. The event will also include a drum circle, hula hoopers, a fashion show, a beer garden and a food court.

Jackson said there are still opportunites for people to get involved. Call Lori Penny at 258-5266 or go to the Web at www.thehumanmovement.org for more information.

— Jason Sandford, multimedia editor

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One thought on “Block party returns

  1. Neil A

    From my experience last year, this is a great event not to be missed. Great local music at the right “price”.

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