Asheville Update: Recovery Efforts, Airport Growth, Bluegrass Fest, and More [140 char]

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, February 13, 2025. We're starting off with some exciting news about Asheville's recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. The City of Asheville has launched a Helene Recovery Priorities Survey to gather input from residents on how to rebuild and recover. The survey results will be shared with City Council and will inform discussions at their upcoming retreat on February 13 and 14. If you haven't already, make sure to take the 10-minute survey and let your voice be heard[4]. In other news, Asheville Regional Airport has reported over 2 million travelers in 2024, marking the second straight year it has achieved this milestone. This is a testament to Asheville's growing popularity as a tourist destination. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, you're in luck. The 30th annual Bluegrass First Class festival is happening at the Crowne Plaza Resort from February 14 to 16. Enjoy a weekend of toe-tapping bluegrass music played by nationally-known and regional performers, including Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Southern Legacy[2]. In downtown Asheville, the Asheville Downtown Association is hosting "Illuminate Asheville" from February 6 to 16. This event brings light and joy to the city during the dark season, with beautiful displays and activities to support small businesses. Don't miss out on the fun and help celebrate what makes Asheville unique[3]. For art lovers, the Asheville Art Museum is presenting "Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene," a poignant exhibition showcasing works by artists from the Helene-affected Appalachia region. This non-juried exhibition runs from February 13 to May 5 and is a powerful display of resilience and community spirit[3]. In entertainment news, Billy Strings is returning to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 and 14-16. A percentage of every ticket sold will benefit local organizations such as Bounty & Soul, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MANNA Food Bank, and American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter[5]. Finally, if you're looking for a unique dining experience, Asheville Restaurant Week is happening from January 21 to 27 and February 18 to 24. Savor in Asheville's award-winning dining scene and enjoy special menus at multiple restaurants across the city[2]. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.