2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival
Heritage Past•Present•Future
Looking for a family-friendly event that celebrates the rich heritage of Asheville's oldest African-American neighborhood? Then you won't want to miss the 2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival!
The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday, August 26th, from 10am to 10pm in the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood of Asheville in MLK Park, located at 50 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a parade, live music, vendors, food trucks, and a children's area.
The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival Parade will kick off the festivities at 10am on Saturday, August 26 from the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Alexander Drive, and end at MLK Park. This spectacular parade is a celebration of the community's rich history and culture, and sets the stage for a day filled with fun. The line up includes: the Asheville Majorette Dolls, Debutante Queen & Court, My Daddy Taught Me That, Mountain Circus Arts, Zohar Stiltwalker, Drums Up Guns Down, Rocky (UNCA Mascot), Asheville/SILSA Cougar Mascot, Ted E (Tourist Mascot), and East End/Valley Street President Renée White.
Families, you're in for a treat! The festival's Children's Area is a haven of joy for your little ones, offering a day brimming with delightful activities that pay homage to our community's heritage. Step into the excitement of the Bouncy House, where your kids can let loose and expend their energy. It's the perfect outlet for their boundless enthusiasm. Capture the joy on your children's faces as they experience the magic of Face Painting. A skilled artist will adorn their faces with captivating designs, creating moments of wonder that they'll carry with them. Get ready for a showcase of creativity during the Balloon Twisting session from 3pm to 5pm. Marvel at the skilled Balloon Extraordinaire as they craft intricate and whimsical balloon sculptures, adding an extra touch of charm to the festivities. Watch as your little ones become captivated by the enchanting world of Bubbles. The Bubble Master's displays will mesmerize and entertain, filling the air with shimmering bubbles that evoke sheer delight. The day will also include crafts and other activities for children.
This year's theme is Heritage: Past, Present, Future. At 100 years old, Lottie Mae Poole is the neighborhood’s oldest resident and will receive a special recognition. Come out at 5:00pm and help celebrate Mrs. Poole’s 100th birthday by singing “Happy Birthday”! Live music will include the Second Line Band (11:30am to 12:30pm), the Gospel Sensations (12:45pm to 2pm), Lyric Band (2:15pm to 3:30pm), Sweet Dreams Band (3:45pm to 5pm), Free Flow Band (6pm-7:45), and Uptown Swagga Band (8pm to 10pm). We invite everyone to join us in honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a bright and exciting future. This is an alcohol-free, family-friendly festival, so bring your loved ones and enjoy a day filled with laughter, learning, and fun. Please note that animals are not permitted at the festival.
So mark your calendars for August 26th and come celebrate with us at the 2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival! Everyone is welcome to join in the festivities and experience the unique culture and history of this amazing community. https://www.eastendvalleystreet.org/community-heritage-festival
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Explore the Children's Area
Families, you're in for a treat at the upcoming 2023 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival. The festival's Children's Area is a haven of joy for your little ones, offering a day brimming with delightful activities that pay homage to our community's heritage.
The the festivities kick off with the grand parade, which will start at 10am at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Alexander Drive. The parade will lead the way to the East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival, setting the tone for a day filled with joy, celebration, and community spirit.
Step into the excitement of the Bouncy House, where your kids can let loose and expend their energy. It's the perfect outlet for their boundless enthusiasm. Capture the joy on your children's faces as they experience the magic of Face Painting. A skilled artist will adorn their faces with captivating designs, creating moments of wonder that they'll carry with them. Get ready for a showcase of creativity during the Balloon Twisting session from 3pm to 5pm. Marvel at the skilled balloon twisters as they craft intricate and whimsical balloon sculptures, adding an extra touch of charm to the festivities. Watch as your little ones become captivated by the enchanting world of Bubbles. The Bubble Master's displays will mesmerize and entertain, filling the air with shimmering bubbles that evoke sheer delight. The day will also include crafts and other activities for children.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 26th! The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival is from 10am to 10pm in MLK Park in Asheville. Please note that for the comfort and safety of all attendees, pets and animals are not permitted in MLK Park. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. The Children’s Area will be open at 10am and will close promptly at 7pm, offering families a chance to bond, experience the spirit of our community's heritage, and create cherished memories together.
