News

Bearfootin' Bears unveiled next week

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 1, 2024

The 20 bears of this year's Bearfootin’ Art Walk will be unveiled at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 on the outdoor Welcome Center Stage, 201 S. Main St., the  Friends of Downtown Hendersonville announced.

The reveal focuses on stories about each bear’s creation, providing behind-the-scenes insight on what inspired the artist and the mission of the nonprofit beneficiary chosen by the sponsors. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chair for comfortable enjoyment of the event. Co-emcees are Bryan Byrd and Lew Holloway, the city's Community Development director.

New this year, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has partnered with the Blue Ridge Community College Collision Repair Refinishing Technology Department to provide the automotive finishing for the Bears. The state-of-the-art facility trains students in proper vehicle repair and replacement procedures to bring an automobile back to its pre-accident condition.

“Working with Blue Ridge has been an amazing experience,” Downtown Event CoordinatorTerrye Jacobs said. “Program instructor, Brian Foster, has been an incredible partner, encouraging community participation from his students in taking care of our bears! We are excited to build a great partnership with this program, with their crew on site at the Reveal to help kick off the summers’ Art Walk!” 

After the reveal, the bears will take their post on Main Street to bring joy to passersby until the auction in October. Since 2016, the Bearfootin’ Auction has generated more than $400,000 for nonprofits. The virtual auction is scheduled to conclude on Oct. 26.