At Asheville City Council’s work session, they discussed pros and cons of getting out of the festival business. The city could save $200,000 if they proceed with this year’s commitment and ditch Bele Chere henceforth. They could save $450,000 if they scrapped the festival this year; but if they did that, they would want to reinvest $100,000 in other festivals. I ought not criticize unless I can do it constructively, so here is my advice, for a change:
The city needs to have a Bele Chere farewell “tour.” They can really hype it up and make a one-time killing. Of course, they can sell the rights to a private investor, but he wouldn’t be able to call the event Bele Chere. It would have to be something like Son of Bele Chere.
