Asheville Celebrates Halloween with a Block Party to Support Local Businesses
Asheville, N.C. was buzzing with excitement this Halloween as the community came together for a vibrant Halloween Block Party. Despite some lingering effects from the recent storm that caused significant challenges for residents and businesses alike, the spirit of celebration was alive and well in downtown Asheville. With decorations, costumes, and a sense of togetherness, locals showed that they could still embrace the festive spirit, even amidst difficulties.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Residents and business owners were ready to greet the day with joy. Paul Helou, an Asheville resident, even wrote a catchy tune reflecting the ups and downs of life in the aftermath of the storm. He sang about “the no running water in the house, no shower blues,” reminding everyone how relatable life can be during tough times.
However, the enthusiasm for Halloween was undeniable. “Asheville’s ready to welcome visitors,” Eva-Michelle Spicer, co-owner of Spicer Green Jewelers, expressed warmly. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the community, she emphasized the importance of supporting each other. “There are good days and bad days. I call them ‘fragile days,’ where the sound of a twig makes me cry. But we’re here for each other,” she said.
A Treat for the Community
Part of the day’s festivities included a delightful pet costume contest hosted by Spicer Green Jewelers. Attendees couldn’t help but smile as they watched adorable dogs prancing around in their clever costumes—there was Superwoman, the Big Bad Wolf, and an especially charming entrant named ‘Fluffy the Wonder Dog’. It was a charming reminder of the lightheartedness Halloween brings, even during trying times.
Becky Gardner, another enthusiastic local, highlighted the significance of the event for businesses in Asheville. “We’re here celebrating Halloween to support businesses in Asheville. Because they really need everybody to come out, buy a cup of coffee, come out for dinner, come for the day. We really just need everyone to get our economy going again,” Gardner said while standing proudly with her furry friend.
Fostering Local Business Resilience
The Grove Arcade, a historical gem in Asheville, played a crucial role in spreading the word about the importance of local shopping. Senior property manager Amber Ammons Fish emphasized that attracting customers back is essential for survival. “We need local businesses to thrive, and we need people to come back in. And I know Biltmore and certain areas were hit, but there are local businesses downtown and we want people to know we’re in business,” she added.
Shop Local, Even from Afar
For those unable to stroll the lovely streets of Asheville, there’s plenty of hope yet. An initiative called ‘Love Asheville From Afar’ provides an online platform for people to shop local products and have them shipped nationwide. Hayden Plemmons, the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, pointed out that the site offers products from over 500 retailers and artists, showcasing the unique craftsmanship of the area.
“There’s no need to shop on Amazon. There’s nothing you need that you can’t get in Asheville or downtown Asheville,” Plemmons passionately stated. If you can visit in person, he encouraged everyone to call ahead and plan their trip to experience the warmth and unique offerings the city has in store.
A Collective Step Forward
This Halloween, Asheville demonstrated not just its resilience but its commitment to supporting the local community. As residents gathered to celebrate, it was a heartfelt reminder of the importance of coming together during challenging times. From treating store owners and visitors to the joys of Halloween festivities to ensuring the survival of local businesses, Asheville truly shone brightly, full of hope and camaraderie.
