ASHEVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE 2018
ASHEVILLE HOLIDAY PARADE 2018
The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, rolls, dances and marches through downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 17 beginning at 11am. The parade features nearly 100 entries including marching bands, dance and cheer squads, youth sports, nonprofits and businesses.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
THIS YEAR’S GRAND MARSHAL IS HIKER, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ADVENTURER OF THE YEAR JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS
The Grand Marshal float is sponsored by Apple Tree Honda. In 2011, Davis completed the Appalachian Trail (2,185 miles) in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes, making her the fastest A.T. hiker until the record was broken again in 2015. In total, she’s hiked more than 14,000 miles of long-distance trails on six continents — adventures that informed her seven books, numerous articles and interviews, and speeches on making the wilderness accessible to all. This Ashevillean served as board member for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and an ambassador for the American Hiking Society.
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THIS YEAR’S PARADE THEME IS “APPALACHIAN HOLIDAY”
Parade entries include a little something for everyone with decorated floats, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations, our Honored Veterans float, live music, performances, and of course, Santa Claus, brought to you by the NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights.
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THE PERFORMANCE STOP IS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF BILTMORE AND PATTON AVENUES
The parade begins on Biltmore Avenue at South Charlotte Street and the official performance stop is located at the corner of Biltmore and Patton Avenues. The parade ends on Patton Avenue at South French Broad. Represent and smile for the cameras! Parade route pictured below …
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ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO GET DOWNTOWN!
Not only will Biltmore and Patton Avenues be closed prior to and during the parade, some side streets will also need to be closed off. ART bus routes have to be detoured around the parade as well. For these reasons, the City encourages everyone to plan ahead, allow plenty of time to get downtown, whether by bus, bike, car or on foot. The following routes will be affected by detours:
NORTH: N, N1, N2 and N3
EAST: E1, E2 and 170
SOUTH: S1, S2 and S5
WEST: W3, W4 and S5
After you have planned your trip, use the City’s new Transit App to track when your bus will arrive. To better understand the detours the buses will take, visit …
www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/transit/servicealerts
Or call ART at 828-253-5691
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NEED A PARKING SPOT? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!
There will be several streets blocked prior to the parade, starting from 7:00am-3:00pm, which will funnel even more traffic into the parking garages. The Asheville Downtown Association encourages parade attendees to use the Asheville Transit System and City of Asheville parking garages. The Asheville City Government maintains a page with real time information about available parking spots in the city parking garages.
Streets Impacted by the Parade HERE
Find a Parking Spot HERE
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IT DOESN’T END THERE!
Go for a walk! Adding to the holiday fun is the Asheville Downtown Association’s Holiday Windows Contest. Downtown businesses decorate their windows in keeping with the “Appalachian Holiday” theme.
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WAIT, THERE’S MORE! STAY FOR THE DOWNTOWN LOCAL LIGHTS LIGHTING CEREMONY AND PICTURES WITH SANTA!
For a third year, The City of Asheville, NC Arboretum, Asheville Downtown Association and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority are partnering for Downtown Local Lights, an artistic holiday light display at Pack Square, and new this year, expanded to Pritchard Park. Downtown Local Lights will kickoff Saturday, November 17 at 5pm at Pack Square with free photos with Santa, hot chocolate from French Broad Chocolate Lounge and holiday carols from The Gay Men’s Chorus. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6pm.
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HAVE FUN! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
(Photo Sources: Asheville Downtown Association and Asheville City Government)
