First-Ever Asheville Holiday Jamboree Brings Joy to the City
Asheville, North Carolina, was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, November 23, as the city held its inaugural Holiday Jamboree at Pack Square Park. This new event took the place of what would have been the 33rd annual holiday parade, a beloved tradition that had to be reimagined this year.
Changing Tides: From Parade to Jamboree
The decision to swap a parade for the jamboree came after the challenges posed by recent events in the community. Hayden Plemmons, the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, explained that hosting the parade would require substantial city resources, including increased police presence and road closures.
Plemmons mentioned, “It takes a lot of infrastructure to be able to make a parade happen. Police officers, public works officers, and at the time, we needed to make the call, those folks were still working on rescue efforts and trying to get us potable water.” Given these circumstances, the community leaders decided to pivot towards an event that could still capture the spirit of the holiday season.
A Festive Atmosphere
The Holiday Jamboree turned out to be a fantastic celebration. Local community groups decorated their tents, food trucks lined the park, and a festive holiday market introduced a shopping vibe that had never been part of the parade before. Attendees were treated to a delightful array of food options, live performances, and family-friendly activities, all while shopping locally for the upcoming holidays.
“We are excited to bring something different to the community,” Plemmons shared enthusiastically, noting how the event still fulfilled the aim of spreading holiday cheer.
Community Celebration
The event unfolded from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the holiday market staying open until 5 p.m. Residents flocked to Pack Square Park, eager to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere. The gathering brought out a vibrant crowd, filled with smiles and holiday spirit.
One Asheville resident, Colleen Claxton, expressed her delight, stating, “I’m totally stoked, this is awesome. I love Christmas, and I just love dressing up and seeing something wild! Everybody is so happy,” capturing the overall sentiment of festivalgoers who were thrilled to embrace the festive spirit.
Looking Ahead
While the Holiday Jamboree may have replaced the traditional parade, it certainly didn’t lack in community engagement and joy. Residents found new ways to celebrate together, supporting local businesses and enjoying the spirit of togetherness that the season embodies.
As people left the park with full bellies and happy hearts, there was a palpable sense of excitement and optimism for future events in the city. The success of the Holiday Jamboree stands as a testament to Asheville’s resilience and adaptability, proving that even in challenging times, the community can come together to celebrate.
As we wrap up this wonderful holiday experience, one can’t help but look forward to next year’s festivities and the memories that will be created. Who knows what the city will dream up next? One thing is certain, the holiday spirit in Asheville is alive and well!
