ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After Hurricane Helene, many businesses in downtown Asheville are only now reopening as Halloween approaches.
To commemorate the occasion, the Asheville Downtown Association has asked participating businesses to adorn their doors with an orange balloon, signaling their open status in appropriately autumnal colors.
The ADA organized two days for the balloons to go up. The first was last Saturday, Oct. 19. The second is Saturday, Oct. 26. The dates signal a “Soft Reopening of Downtown Businesses,” according to the ADA website.
The reopening of downtown will be truly commemorated by an event next week, however.
From 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, downtown Asheville be costumed in Halloween cheer for the Doors Open Downtown Halloween Block Party.
The block party will incorporate many participating businesses into a trick ‘r treat neighborhood experience transplanted to downtown Asheville, as well as a couple other fun surprises at a few locales.
For instance, there will be a craft activity for kids at Fired Up! Creative Lounge, a to-go pottery studio located at 26 Wall St.
“For us, I believe we are gonna have some free tiles that the kids can paint. We had them when we first opened, and we still have a lot of them. We actually have a spin art machine to put the tiles in, and that will probably be our main thing,” said manager Cassidy Chester.
Spin art creates a splatter-effect of paint on a 4-inch ceramic tile. Kids will be able to make theirs and walk out with their craft. Costumes are encouraged, said Chester, who will be practicing a different kind of “craft” with hers.
“Honestly, I’m almost always a witch because I have all the stuff,” Chester laughed.
Just down the road at 5 p.m. will be at dog costume contest at Spicer Greene Jewelers, 121 Patton Ave.
The ADA hopes that the block party will be helpful for the community after Hurricane Helene, especially in neighborhoods that may not be in the shape for spooky celebration after the disaster.
“We heard from the community that in some areas it might be difficult to do traditional trick ‘r treating because of fallen trees and hazards on the streets,” said Hayden Plemmons, Executive Director of the ADA. “So we’re encouraging folks to come downtown and trick ‘r treat at our local businesses.”
Watch for the orange balloons and put the finishing touches on your costumes. Halloween in Asheville is coming up quick.