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Asheville Downtown Association spotlights post-Helene business with Doors Open Downtown

Downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their door to welcome folks in and signal that they’re open and ready for business.

Asheville skyline with mountains in the background

The initiative’s goal, says Executive Director Hayden Plemmons, is to “help facilitate healing and encourage support for our local businesses as we work toward recovery.”

As some resources return and businesses begin to navigate the post-storm landscape, some local spots are ready to reopen. So the Asheville Downtown Association is organizing Doors Open Downtown — an initiative to fill the streets and shops of the city again.

The concept is simple. On Saturday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 26, downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their doors to indicate that they’re open and encourage folks to reconnect and support.

Businesses can pick up a balloon from the Downtown Association office, Horse and Hero, or Citizen Vinyl.

Then, on Thursday, Oct. 31, downtown will come alive for a Halloween Block Party. From 4 to 7 p.m., you and the little ones can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, listen to live music, enjoy kids’ activities and restaurant specials, and bring your pup to a dog costume contest.

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