Everything this weekend in Asheville is Bele Chere. This year, businesses were allowed to set up tents in front of their stores rather than having to leave town. Cuts have been made in the size of the festival after Parks and Recreation returned to council two consecutive years asking for budget amendments to cover festival overruns. I served again in the role of “Miss Information,” giving out bad directions to passersby. Tons of folks said they happened to run into the festival and didn’t know anything about it. So much for PR. There was a good turnout, predictable in terms of the philosophy that in harsh economic times people are inclined to purchase small items for immediate gratification rather than saving for long-term investments. Some very good artists were not selling a whole lot. Very few people were seen carrying big-ticket items.

The best thing about the festival is everybody is friends, and one can share hugs with the most dastardly of political opponents.