News

Bearfootin' Bears season opens with placing of public art downtown

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 9, 2024

While the weather didn’t cooperate for the traditional reveal Wednesday, the 2024 season of the Bearfootin' Bears debuted Thursday.

The bears will remain on Main Street to delight all who pass by, until the auction in the fall at the Historic Courthouse Plaza. Last year’s auction raised $102,000 for local charities, and the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville hopes to continue the tradition of giving this year. The auction is scheduled for Oct. 26, with virtual bidding opening in September. Check out the bear brochure here. 

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. Their 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 Coordinator Terrye Jacobs said. “Program instructor Brian Foster has been an incredible partner, encouraging community participation from his students in taking care of our bears.”