Bele Chere celebrates 30th anniversary

ASHEVILLE - Bele Chere is turning 30! The South's ultimate entertainment, arts and food festival celebrates its big 3-0 Friday through Sunday, July 27, in downtown Asheville. Drawing more than 300,000 visitors, Bele Chere offers the unique opportunity to see, taste and hear some of the region's finest art, cuisine and music. The best part of the event, it's free.

With more than 30 (coincidence intended!) hours of live entertainment, festival-goers will be treated to every genre of music from homegrown bluegrass to sultry jazz, rocking blues to folksy singer-songwriters. National entertainers include Travis Tritt, the Wailers, Cowboy Mouth, Original P, Edwin McCain, the Lee Boys and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Western North Carolina is a hotbed for musical talent, so visitors can be sure they'll see lots of local musicians and bands in the festival's lineup.

Bele Chere is an art enthusiast's dream, featuring craftsmen and artists showcasing their wares. Arts Park, where more than 30 percent of artists are from Western North Carolina, is on par with the best craft fairs in the country. Outside Arts Park, even more crafts can be found

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, a group of locally-owned restaurants, will band together to present "Taste of Asheville," a showcase of the area's signature dishes made with fresh local produce. Of course visitors will also find festival favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes.

Parents will find lots to keep their kids entertained. The festival's children's area, presented by Food Lion, will have everything the little ones want - rides, games and clowns. The area, always alcohol-and smoke-free, touts a Western North Carolina History, Heritage and Culture theme and will abound with arts and craft projects, storytellers and special kid-friendly entertainment sure to inspire the imagination.

Other fun activities include the Purina Ultimate Air Challenge presented by Ingles, when dock diving dogs take center stage. Festival-goers can cheer on their favorite pups as they attempt to break the world record for dock diving. Visitors will also have the opportunity to cool off in the Foggy Mountain Misting Tents scattered throughout the festival.

For more information about Bele Chere, contact festival staff at 259-5800 or visit www.belecherefestival.com.