Asheville Voters Rally Against Supreme Court Ballot Challenge; Bluegrass, Mardi Gras, and More Winter Events in Asheville

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Today, we're starting with a significant local story that's been making headlines. Over 300 people gathered in Asheville's Pack Square Park on Monday to protest a GOP challenge to ballots in the North Carolina Supreme Court race. The challenge, brought by Republican judicial candidate Jefferson Griffin, aims to invalidate tens of thousands of votes due to alleged registration irregularities. Protesters, including Donna Landis, expressed their frustration and concern over the potential disenfranchisement of voters like herself, who have voted in every election since 1980. The North Carolina Board of Elections and a Wake County Superior Court judge have already rejected Griffin's request, but he has appealed to the state Court of Appeals, which currently has a Republican majority. Moving on to some lighter news, Asheville is buzzing with exciting events this winter. The 30th annual Bluegrass First Class festival took place over the weekend, featuring renowned performers like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Southern Legacy. If you missed it, don't worry – there's plenty more to look forward to. The Asheville Mardi Gras Parade is coming up on March 2, promising a colorful and family-friendly celebration. And for music lovers, the Omni Grove Park Inn Rock n Roll Weekend in March will feature tribute bands like The Wildflowers and Monsters of Yacht. In other community news, the City of Asheville is inviting residents to participate in public meetings throughout February to provide input on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program. These funds are allocated to address unmet disaster-related needs, particularly in housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure restoration following Hurricane Helene. The meetings will include presentations and opportunities for feedback, which will inform the creation of the Action Plan Draft. For those looking for something to do today, the Asheville Community Theater is hosting "The Play That Goes Wrong," a hilarious comedy that's part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes. And if you're interested in dance, the WNC Dance Academy is presenting their annual winter benefit concert featuring the WNC Dance Repertory Company and Stewart/Owen Dance. Finally, don't forget to check out the Biltmore evening experience, which includes a glittering cascade of lights illuminating trees, buildings, and pathways, as well as complimentary tastings at the Winery. 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.