It’s over … almost … maybe

As David Forbes reported in “Goodbye Bele Chere, hello ‘creative economies’” the 2014 Bele Chere street festival ” will be the last — at least, the last run by the city, as Asheville City Council members agreed during a March 12 budget session to end their financial involvement.”

After 35 years (36 next year), the festival that “no one likes but everyone goes to” is taking down its tents for good (that is, unless its privately supported). Are you happy to see it go? Are there parts you’ll miss even if that’s so? Or maybe you’re heartbroken and will dress in black for every last-weekend-in-July from now on. Let us know what you think of the recent news — and of Bele Chere in general — in the comments field.

We have a poll going on our Facebook page for the less vocally opinionated.

Peace out? In case you forgot what Bele Chere looks like, visit mountainx.com/belechere for copious evidence from festivals past.


— Photo by Max Cooper, from The Face of Bele Chere.

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