E.W. Pearson moved to Asheville in 1906, established the Asheville branch of the NAACP, founded Asheville's first black baseball team (the Asheville Royal Giants) and started the Buncombe District Agriculture Fair and Farmers Jubilee — all within seven years. The fair lasted for more than 30 years and drew thousands to West Asheville's Pearson Park — which Pearson also established.
This year, the Burton Street Community continues the tradition with its second annual revival of the Jubilee. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1 until 8 p.m. at the Burton Street Recreation Center grounds at 134 Burton St. in West Asheville.
The day includes music and other entertainment, as well as basketball and horseshoe tournaments, a kids’ village and plenty of food. Some of Asheville’s favorite food trucks will be there (Pink Taco, Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Veggie Love) and both the Hop Ice Cream Café and MacDaddy's Lemonade will have refreshments available for purchase.
And in a fun revival of the agriculture aspect of the fair, a “Blue Ribbon” contest will take place in which a panel will pass judgment on your produce or baked goods in such categories as ugliest vegetable or fruit, smallest vegetable or fruit, best cupcake, best in-season dish and best tomato pie. Seriously retro fun.
We also love this directive from the event website:
"Check your gardens and get in those kitchens! Entries must be delivered and registered by 3 p.m. on the day of the Fair. Winners in each category will win the coveted Blue Ribbon, a small prize and be listed in next year’s fair program. Those entering the cooking categories should include their recipe, as winners will be highlighted in our upcoming cookbook."
Visit http://www.burtonstreet.org for more information and the complete schedule of events, as well as the full list of Blue Ribbon categories.
The event is still in search of volunteers. Contact burtonstreetfair@gmail.com if interested.
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