Conscious party: Asheville Foam Party’s bubble-less benefit

A SPECTATOR SPORT: Shop Kitty Productions owner Megan Archer, bottom row far right, says a friend suggested that she host an after-party for the 2016 Cyclocross National Championship in Asheville. "I laughed it off at first, because it felt like such an overwhelming task, but that planted seed grew into the biggest project I've ever had the pleasure of working on." The racing sport traditionally attracts a wild and vociferous group of spectators. Photo courtesy of Shop Kitty Productions

WHAT: The 2016 Cyclocross National Championships after-party

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m.

WHERE: New Mountain

WHY: Cyclist-turned-event-planner Megan Archer says Asheville’s hosting of the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships from Jan. 6-10, “means the world to our North Carolina cyclocross family.” And for her, the five-day gathering of bike enthusiast affords an opportunity to give back to the community that helped her get into cycling. Archer’s post-competition dance party will benefit Trips for Kids WNC — a group that stages mountain bike outings and environmental education for youths.

Archer’s event concept stems from the Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville in 2013. There, an Internet joke turned into reality when popular racer Jeremy Powers DJ-ed a foamless “foam party” after the races.

Archer pounced on a friend’s idea to host a similar after-party in Asheville, founding Shop Kitty Productions to do just that. With a solid vision and the “legit business” name in tow, she booked Asheville DJs Justin Mitchell and Marley Carroll for entertainment and rallied support from entities near and far, including Asheville Cyclocross, DeFeet International, Cane Creek Cycling Components, NEXT Cycling, Epic Cycles West, Cyclocross Magazine and title sponsor Bike Law. Many more organizations have donated prizes to Archer’s bike-themed raffle.

The Bicycle Thrift Shop — an ongoing funding source for Trips for Kids WNC, which resells new and lightly used gear — will also be accepting cycling-related items at Asheville Foam Party.

“My hope is the event will bring the national cycling community together, but I am also striving to include our local noncycling community as well,” Archer says. “Trips for Kids WNC holds a special place in my heart, and giving kids a chance to feel what I feel on a bicycle is my way of giving back.”

Trips for Kids WNC will receive the event’s $5 per person cover fees plus raffle proceeds. Racers and spectators with an armband get in free. Visit avl.mx/24g for more details.

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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