Liberty
Roman Role of Government
Do you remember that festival that changed your life? I don’t, either. That is probably why the Town of Canton is so into making their next $135,000 Labor Day festival…
Festival
Liberty
Bread & Circuses
One big item on Asheville City Council’s agenda last night was modification of the city’s agricultural policies. Concerns about sprawl don’t apply if one compartmentalizes one’s thinking. The other big…
Liberty
At Least It Wasn’t the Other Alternative
We are told entertainment runs cyclical to the economy, and Asheville’s news has been characterized by a string of festival cancelations. Bele Chere ran its last year, two smaller Lexington…
Liberty
A Justifiable Public Purpose?
A couple days ago, I mentioned the self-selected support for Bele Chere that had been shared. Following the festivities, the local daily sort of bid the festival good riddance. As…
Liberty
Festival-Goers Want to Pay
I’ve been volunteering as a roving informationist at Bele Chere the last two days. Normally, I keep data acquired while volunteering out of blogging to respect personal confidentialities. I’m blabber-mouthing…
Liberty
Not Even Entertainment
Is it a good or bad economic indicator when countercyclical activities dry up? The Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF) will not run this year. Funding fell short of…
Liberty
Bele Chere Fairwell Tour
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…
Liberty
Core Festivals
The City of Asheville is evaluating the worth of its Cultural Arts Superintendent position while this $65,000 a year job remains vacant. Duties included “core” government services like public art…
Liberty
Bele Chere Weekend
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…
Liberty
Festivals That Can’t Be Endured Sober
The role of government is now to stimulate your medulla oblongata. Like other North Carolina cities, Asheville does not allow open alcoholic beverages on most public property without special permission.…