Bele Chere

      Living here in the southeast, we are fortunate to have a plethora of festivals, one of which is Bele Chere.  I should say The Festival is Bele Chere.  It is the largest FREE festival in the southeast, and is an event worth visiting at least once...just to say, "Yeah I've been to Bele Chere".  If you've never heard of it, here is a brief history.  Bele Chere began in 1979 as a collaboration between local merchants to help boost a struggling economy.  In an ancient Scottish dialect, it means Beautiful Living.  There couldn't be a better name for this 3 day celebration of art, food, music, people and just enjoying the beauty of life in general.  If you get curious you can go to www.belecherefestival.com and check it out.  


    With that being said, if you ask the locals about Bele Chere, their response is usually something close to "it's when all the freaks come out".  I kid you not, every person I talked to about the festival always asked me "Have you been before?" then replied with widened eyes, "you have to go, just to experience the people."  There's no real good way to fully share the experience of Bele Chere with you through pictures, it's something you just have to see for yourself. As a preface to my pictures, I need to include that many of the artists had signs on their booths stating "No Pictures, Please Don't Steal My Artistic Expression". Sorry, but you won't see any pictures of their work. In this blog I will be sharing my newly gained appreciation for the term "Ashevillians".  

Music obviously can't be conveyed through pictures, but Bele Chere hosts several stages set up through out downtown (all free) featuring different bands.  Every kind of music that you can imagine.  Rock, country, folk, and of course bluegrass.  While walking through the streets it is common to see bands or groups set up on the sidewalk.   

This little bluegrass group caught quite a bit of attention, not only for their totally awesome suspenders, but because they were actually really good.  

This downtown resident decided to have a little fun, making their balcony into a bathtub complete with rubber duckies and even bubbles.  It possibly could have been a subtle hint to the thousands of people roaming the streets, saying "Your sweaty stench is wafting up through our window, please take a bath."

Here area few of the thousands upon thousands of people who need a bath.

I have a confession to make...I am a confirmed Foodie.  Hi, my name is Kelly, I'm a Foodie.  Because of this affliction, every event I attend is budgeted with the recognition of my food defects.  I have come to accept, and even embrace these defects. With that, I have also adopted the rule that I have to try something new, whether it's something I've never tried before, or maybe never even heard of before.  This time around it was something I had never heard of before for my Friday dinner, and an all-time favorite for Saturday dinner.

Sweet Potato+Goat Cheese+Walnuts =Sweet Potato Nachos.  Whatever your first reaction is, all I can say is I know, right?!  I had every possible reaction go through my mind when I saw this, finally settling on, "sure, why not."  The verdict is still out.  

Saturday evening I had a melt-in-your-mouth Crab Cake Sandwich and a Shrimp Skewer, seasoned with Old Bay and a side of dipping sauce. Delicious. Delectable. Down right luscious, and just plain yummy!  






With my food infirmity satisfied, I was then able to take a good look around me at the people who joined together in the streets of Asheville.  Everywhere I looked, I would see a celebration of diversity and individuality. The phrase "It takes all kinds" comes to mind.  

Yes, she has fairy wings. And a tiara. And a craft-foam flower purse. And bubbles (orange tube).  I couldn't help but wonder if this was her vain attempt at being Sookie Stackhouse from HBO'S True Blood.
"A f-----  fairy?!?!"  You have to be a fan to understand that one.   

       


This kid's balloon octopus hat was just fun.  I had to take a picture because I knew no one would believe me when I said I saw a kid with an octopus on his head.

Yes! Rainbow Bright is still with us!

These two decided to flex their entrepreneurial muscles by advertising Free Hugs, with tips accepted.  I thought briefly about adding to the tips they had stuffed in their shorts, but decided that the ego-boost I was giving them by taking their picture was payment enough.

Personally, I have to agree with the girl's "I'm with
Stupid" sign...Anyone wearing a suit in 95 degree
heat for hours on end can't be the brightest crayon
in the pack.  Just sayin'.

With every festival in the Bible Belt, there are always the warriors for Christ making sure all the fornicators and sinners are aware that "Most people go to hell when they die" and "You are all sinners." Very encouraging and enlightening. And of course the aforementioned sinners and fornicators have a right to oppose that opinion, with as much vigor and passion. 

Even the human statue got involved by playing her snare drum to drown out the preaching. Although I'm not sure if it was to support her right to religious, political and sexual freedoms or simply good business. Apparently fornicators and sinners are loose with their money as well as with other things.  As soon as she began to play, the tips started flying in.
 

This proselytiser's (red shirt and bull horn) message was that "if you support Obama, then you support homo sex".  Who knew?  The little guy used a whistle to do his talking.  By the end of the day it really didn't matter which side you were on, we all had a headache.  

This is just a peak into Bele Chere.  Whether you are a fellow Foodie like me who likes to enjoy an eclectic atmosphere, or just looking to hear the good word, this is clearly an eye-opening adventure. Look it up for next year and add it too your "to do" list and enjoy the celebration.