"Community Input, Protest Impacts, and Magical Lights: Asheville Local Frequency for February 4, 2025"

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Let's start with some important community updates. The City of Asheville is hosting a series of public meetings throughout February to gather input on how to allocate $225 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funds for Helene recovery efforts. These meetings are crucial for residents to share their unmet disaster-related needs and influence the creation of the Action Plan Draft. The first virtual meeting is scheduled for February 10, and in-person meetings will follow at various locations including the West Asheville Library and the Grant Southside Community Center[5].

In other news, Asheville police are warning of potential congestion due to a 300-person rally against immigration policy. Meanwhile, the North Fork wildfire in McDowell County has reached 80% containment, though the investigation is ongoing[1].

On a lighter note, there's plenty to do in Asheville this week. Tonight, you can bask in the glow of Antler Hill Village Illumination at Biltmore Estate, starting at 5:30 pm. This event is included with admission and promises to be a magical experience[4].

If you're looking for something more interactive, Blind Date Live is back on February 7th at The Orange Peel. This unique event combines a sultry mixer with live first dates onstage, hosted by Donnie Rex Bishop and Cayla Clark. It's a night of unscripted, unfiltered fun that you won't want to miss[4].

For those interested in the arts, Mars Hill University is showcasing Asheville photographer Pete Candler's work in the “A Realism of Absences” exhibition at the Weizenblatt Gallery. The exhibition opens on February 12 and runs through March 9, featuring Candler's black and white film photography that explores the cracks in American history[3].

In sports, the Asheville Marathon & Half is coming up on March 15, celebrating resilience and community. This year’s race honors Asheville’s spirit, running through a story of strength and recovery[2].

Finally, if you're planning ahead, mark your calendars for the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade on March 2, featuring colorful characters and performers in a family-friendly event. And for music lovers, the Omni Grove Park Inn Rock n Roll Weekend is happening from March 13-17, with performances by The Wildflowers and Monsters of Yacht[2].

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.