Bearfootin' 2024 Bears to Be Revealed May 8

Bearfootin’ 2024 Bears to be Revealed May 8 at Welcome Center Stage 

HENDERSONVILLE, NC – The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville welcomes the public to witness the unveiling of 20 new works of bear art! The Annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk program will hold the reveal event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 on the outdoor Welcome Center Stage at 201 South Main Street.  

The reveal will focus 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.  

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” said Terrye Jacobs, Downtown Event Coordinator. “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, over $400,000 has been distributed to nonprofits from the Bearfootin’ Auction. The virtual auction is scheduled to conclude on October 26, 2024, with virtual bidding opening in September (stay tuned for more details). 

Special thanks to the co-Masters of Ceremony of the event, Bryan Byrd, HendoEmcee and Lew Holloway, Community Development Director with the City of Hendersonville. Additional information about the 2024 Bearfootin’ Art Walk can be found at downtownhendersonville.org. 

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville are a 501c3 organization focusing on the vibrancy of downtown Hendersonville's Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts. The Friends produce the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Rhythm & Brews, Bearfootin’ Artwalk & Auction, Garden Jubilee, holiday events and more of your favorite downtown activities. Find out how to get involved at downtownhendersonville.org!