The historic Burton Street neighborhood is inviting the public to celebrate the spirit of its community at the annual Ag Fair on Saturday, September 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Burton Street Community Center.
The fair pays homage to the legacy of civic leader and renaissance man Edward W. Pearson, who founded the first Ag Fair in 1913. A century ago, Black residents from all over Western North Carolina would travel to Asheville to enjoy parades, amusement rides, and games, and to compete for top exhibits in agriculture, baked goods, handicrafts, and more.
This year's free event continues that tradition with a full day of family fun. Guests can enjoy live music, games, inflatables, and a variety of food. A 3-on-3 basketball tournament with a cash prize will also be held for those with a competitive spirit. A special highlight of the day will be the ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon to officially dedicate the community's new playground and revitalized basketball court.
Burton Street Revival
Through the 1980s and 1990s, founding families of the neighborhood left the area or passed away, leaving homes to be abandoned, sold, or rented to newcomers. The community center adapted with the times, adding nutrition programs and computers, but the shrinking, once-tight community network contributed to growing influx of drug and other crime activity.
With the exception of programs at Burton Street Community Center (particularly those for kids, teens, and older adults), residents felt they were not receiving essential support and services from city government. A 1996 City Council decision to permit storage units in the residential section of the neighborhood sparked a new era of community activism – with organizing meeting usually taking place at the center. Neighbors, already working with Asheville Police Department to rid their streets of crime, began working on a master plan to guide the future of their community.
As Burton Street Community Center prepares for the future, another quote from Iola Byers about her father seems fitting: “I can just see him, standing back, his arms folded, being so proud of all this progress. Little kids can’t go far from home and if you can provide this within a community, that is good. He’d be so proud to see all this.” City of Asheville
WNCTimes
Images: Asheville Government
Burton Street Community Center
134 Burton St, Asheville, NC 28806-3547,