The Children’s Area presented by Food Lion is still alcohol- and smoke-free. The Tot Spot (for the littlest birds) is still will return along with crafts, clowns, rides, “inflatables”, face painting and a local theme—“Appalachian History, Heritage and Culture”—in keeping with Bele Chere 2008’s spotlight on all things WNC.
“The Bele Chere Children’s committee decided ... to bring an educational component back into the children’s area, as well as to highlight the crafts and area-inspired entertainment,” says festival organizer Cristin Corder. “The area will feature free arts-and-crafts booths, a free play area for toddlers, an entertainment tent and local non-profits.”
Crafts run to Native American themes, including instruction in weaving baskets and placemats and constructing seed mosaics and rattles, according to Corder.
Also, a new emphasis on nonprofit involvement will make visiting Bele Chere easier for parents.
“The [groups] we are working with participate in a Children’s Partnership Program, and focus their resources on serving children and their families,” Corder explains. “We will have a diaper-changing tent, a breastfeeding tent and a short court tennis teaching area.”
Corder adds that the spotlight on WNC heritage is intended to “showcase the incredible place we live—to locals and tourist families alike.”
Open until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday. Renaissance Asheville Hotel Parking Lot.
2008 Children’s Entertainment Line Up