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Bearfootin' bears to be unveiled next week

Lew Holloway and Bryan Byrd will emcee the Bearfootin' bear reveal on May 10. [PHOTO BY PHILIP LOUNSBURY/OFF THE STREETS PRODUCTIONS]

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 3, 2023

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville invites the public to the unveiling of the 2023 Bearfootin’ Art Walk bears from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, at the outdoor stage at the Visitors Center, 201 S. Main St.

The reveal will focus on stories about each individual bear’s creation, providing behind-the-scenes insight into what inspired the artist and motivates the mission of the nonprofit beneficiary chosen by the sponsors. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chair for comfortable enjoyment of the event. 

After the reveal, the bears will be displayed on Main Street to bring joy to passersby until the auction in October. Last year’s record-setting auction raised $140,000 for local charities, and the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville hopes to continue the tradition of giving this year. The auction is scheduled for Oct. 21, with virtual bidding opening in September.

Special thanks to the co-masters of ceremonies of the event, Bryan Byrd, HendoEmcee, and Lew Holloway, community development director for the city of Hendersonville. Additional information about the 2023 Bearfootin’ Art Walk can be found at downtownhendersonville.org or by contacting info@downtownhendersonville.org.