The 4th Annual Bele Chere Urban Challenge: If you love Survivor, The Apprentice, The Amazing Race and other reality–TV competition shows, you are going to love the Bele Chere Urban Challenge! Twelve contestants will camp on the Urban Challenge Island, located in Pack Square, and compete for fantastic rewards and prizes. Team and individual challenges will test physical strength, mental quickness, and creative thinking. At the end of the festival, one lucky contestant will walk away with the ultimate title and prize! Pack Square.
Rashad McCants Shoot For The Cure: Want to meet an NBA star and help a good cause? Come to the Shoot For The Cure event at Bele Chere and you can do both. Rashad McCants, a member of the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves and native of Asheville, will be hosting a half-court shot contest to raise money for Feed the Children and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Western North Carolina. Preliminary rounds will be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 3:00pm. The final round for the $10,000.00 prize will be held on Sunday. This event is open to all ages and sure to please everyone. Coxe Ave. near the Rock n’ Kiss Stage.
Bele Chere 30th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: This interactive event gives festival goers the chance to earn a Bele Chere prize by testing their knowledge of the festival, downtown Asheville, and local merchants. Scavenger hunt forms will be available at the information booths and souvenirs sales booths through out the festival weekend. Each day will be broken down into 10 questions and for a specific area of Downtown Asheville. A complete 3 day scavenger hunt can be turned in for a prize drawing. Forms available at Festival Information Booths.
Ingles presents the Purina Ultimate Air Dogs: A collection of some of the country’s most impressive dock diving canines are set to entertain fans at Bele Chere! Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds will entertain crowds as they compete against each other in “Ultimate Air,” a sport of long-distance diving into a pool in rounds of competition called “Splashes.” Dock diving is America’s fastest growing dog sport where dogs literally take flight in an attempt to land world record jumps of more than 26 feet. Show times are Friday at 12:30, 1:30, 3:00 with competition at 5:00; Saturday at 11:00, Noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 with competition at 5:00; and Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 with competition at 4:00. BB&T Lot between College and Patton Ave.
YES Interactive Rides, Inflatables and Games: Hop on board the Merry-Go-Round, take a ride down the Giant Slide or climb high above the festival for a birds-eye view in a Ferris Wheel! This area features interactive rides and games for children of all ages including mechanical swings, moon bounces, a sports arena, radar pitch, double shots, trackless train and more. Open the duration of the festival. College Street and Renaissance parking lot.
The Children’s Area presented by Food Lion: The Children’s Area will feature activities and entertainment around the history, heritage and culture of Western North Carolina. Featuring free games and activities for children and families to include a Tot Spot, arts and crafts, story-telling, entertainment, clowns, face painting and more. This is an alcohol and smoke-free zone. Open until 9 pm Friday-Saturday, 6 pm Sunday. Renaissance Parking Lot.
Roots of Rhythm sm Drumming Tent: Jim Seidel brings his Roots of Rhythm sm to Bele Chere 2008. Jim Seidel will invite the audience to use drums and percussion instruments from around the world that honor the heritage and traditions of many cultures. He has created a series of sessions for festival goers interested in Drumming and the healing power of the Arts. Open until 9 pm Friday-Saturday, 6 pm Sunday. Lexington Avenue and Walnut Street.
Bele Chere Souvenir Sales Booths – Posters, t-shirts, lapel pins and more. Friday 12-11 pm; Saturday 10 am-11 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. College Street, Pack Square and Patton Ave. at Haywood Street.
Sensodyne Dental Health Spa - The Sensodyne Dental Health Spa is touring the country to provide dental education in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Visitors to the Sensodyne Dental Health Spa will have the opportunity to have an oral health care
discussion with an ADHA member who will provide helpful information concerning tooth sensitivity and acid wear. Location TBA.
Pillsbury Campaign for a Sweeter America - Join the Pillsbury® Doughboy® on the Campaign for a Sweeter America! This summer, the Pillsbury Doughboy hits the campaign trail with the primary candidates: Cake, Frosting, Brownies, Quick Bread. You can vote for your favorite candidate at our campaign stop at Bele Chere in Asheville, NC or you can vote online on a daily basis at http://www.pillsburybaking.com. Location TBA.
Be a Kiss Country Asheville Star – Listen to Kiss Country starting in July to be the next Asheville Star! Contestants that have pre-qualified will sing Friday and Saturday at the Kiss Country Karaoke booth, Finals will be held on Sunday. Pack Square.
Misting Tents – Friday 12-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-9 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Located at Pritchard Park and College at Market St.
Arts Park presented by Asheville Citizen-Times.com: Featuring the Best of the Best artists of Bele Chere, these juried artists span many mediums to include jewelry, photography, pottery, wood-working and painting. Friday 12-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-9 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Drhumor Parking Lot and Asheville Savings Bank Lot.
Faces of Bele Chere, Interactive Caricature by Brian Vasilik: Enjoy watching a wall of faces grow as this outstanding local artist captures festival-goers caricature style on a large mural. Personal caricatures available for a fee. Pack Square near Taste of Asheville.
30th Anniversary Gigantic Puzzle: Have fun with this interactive puzzle featuring a collage of posters from the years of Bele Chere including the 2008 Bele Chere poster. Friday 12-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-10 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Location TBA.
Wall Mural: Paint a mural on the Streets of Bele Chere. This interactive experience is fun for people of all ages. Pick up a paint brush and leave your mark each day. Friday 12-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-10 pm; and Sunday 12-6 pm. Patton Ave at Coxe Avenue.
Home Run Derby – 6-11:30 pm. Divisions are: Youth 6 pm; Women 7 pm; and Men 8 pm. Registration on-site. Martin Luther King Park.
Bele Chere Autocross: 10 am-6 pm. Charlotte Street.
Bele Chere 5K and Fun Run: 5K Run at 8 am; Fun Run at 8:45 am. McCormick Field. For registration information contact The Asheville Track Club, (828) 252-7867.
City-Wide Softball Tournament: All day with championship game at 8 pm. Games played at Martin Luther King Park, Montford Field and Livingston Street Field. (Preliminary games played Monday-Thursday at City of Asheville Fields.)