ASHEVILLE, N.C. (October 26, 2004) — Two months following devastating flooding from back-to-back hurricanes, the shops and galleries of Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village are back in business and making plans for their annual holiday celebration.
The Dickens in the Village celebration transforms the tree-lined streets into 19th century England on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of December every year.
“You might run into a puppeteer, a group of poets, a choral group, or a mime on the streets,” said Stan Collins, president of the Biltmore Village Association and owner of Once Upon a Time, a children’s book and toy shop. Merchants, often dressed in 19th century costumes, serve up refreshments and special offerings in their shops while carriage rides, caroling and an old world charm creates a special magic amid the twinkling lights of the village built by George Vanderbilt a century ago just outside the gates to his Biltmore Estate.
The Dickens festival runs Friday, December 3 from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, December 4 from 11-7 p.m., and Sunday, December 5 from 1-5 p.m.
Built in the late 1890s as a classic planned community at the entrance to the Estate, the Tudor-style original houses that once housed Vanderbilt's workers is truly one of the Carolinas’ most unique touring and shopping environments. Because of its history, its range of retailers, and its fine restaurants, historic Biltmore Village has an international reputation.
In September, the Village was inundated with flood waters in the wake of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
“The fact that we are, in face of overwhelming obstacles, back in business and preparing for the Dickens event is testament to the resiliency and commitment of the merchants to this historic area,” Collins added. Many shops and galleries were back in business in time to greet visitors during the busy fall foliage season.
By Thanksgiving, nearly 100 percent of Biltmore Village will be re-opened and welcoming visitors.
For additional information about the holiday season and other Asheville area events, go to exploreasheville.com or call toll-free 800-280-0005.
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