PARTIAL

Gingerbread House Display Now Open
*THE GROVE PARK INN'S ANNUAL GINGERBREAD COMPETITION AND PUBLIC DISPLAY began Nov. 19, 2008, and runs through Jan. 11, 2009. | For details and photos about the popular event, Click Here>

Citizens Police Academy Graduation Ceremony Nov. 20
*PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND the graduation of 26 local citizens who completed the course | After 11 weeks of workshops running the gamut of Asheville Police Department operations, 26 residents will graduate from the Citizens Police Academy at 6 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 20, 2008. The ceremony will be conducted on the fourth floor of the Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza. The academy is offered every spring and fall. Citizens are encouraged to participate. | To apply for a future academy or receive more details about the Nov. 20 ceremony, contact: Officer Allen Dunlap at 828-259-5834 or adunlap@ashevillenc.gov

CECIL BOTHWELL: Asheville's tireless author and courageous journalist * Campaign photo when running for Buncombe County Commission earlier this year

Bothwell Exposes Felon Medford at Malaprops Nov. 20
*LISTEN TO A WHOLE LOT OF 'PURE BUNKUM' about Buncombe County's convicted sheriff Bobby Medford | At 7 p.m., on Nov. 20, at Asheville's favorite independent bookstore, Malaprop's in Downtown Asheville, treat yourself to a local star. Cecil Bothwell, Asheville's tireless activist, author, investigative journalist and candidate for local office, will read from his latest book about Buncombe's infamous sheriff, Bobby Medford, who was convicted and sentenced earlier this year for his rein of dasterdly deeds while in office. Years ago, courageous Bothwell was the first to report Medford's questionable activities -- long before any other journalist in town dared to whisper such things. For that work alone, Bothwell deserves Asheville's praise and recognition. Does City Hall hand out a Citizen's Medal of Honor? If not, it could well start with one for "Brave Ulysses" Bothwell. | For details about Cecil Bothwell's appearance at Malaprops, Click Here> | For Bothwell's Blog, Click Here>

FIRST 'FLIGHT NIGHT' POSTER

Celebrate Epicurean Delights Nov. 20
ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION Announces 'Flight Night' Fundraiser | On Nov. 20, 2008, attend the first annual celebration of Asheville’s epicurean delights with craft beer aficionados and culinary connoisseurs in mind. The celebration will serve as a fundraiser for the Downtown Association. | For details, Click Here>

62nd Annual Holiday Parade Begins Downtown at 11 a.m., Nov. 22
*MERCHANTS CELEBRATE THE SEASON with Asheville's 62nd Annual Parade | The Downtown Asheville parade that brings in Santa and kicks off the holiday season begins earlier this year at 11 a.m. After the parade, stay for fun events, including your vote for the best holiday window created by a local retailer. Park your folding chair in a "Chair Corral" until you're ready to leave later. The parade is sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Association of merchants. | SPECIAL NOTE: Asheville City Market on Charlotte St. will be closed on Nov. 22 due to the parade. | For details about the morning parade and afternoon events, Click Here> 

Volunteers Wanted: French Broad River Cleanup Nov. 23
*RIVERLINK AND DIAMOND BRAND 'Adopt-A-Stream' Team are conducting a river cleanup on the French Broad River Sun., Nov. 23, 2008, starting at 12 noon. | Volunteers will be provided with all necessary equipment including gloves, vests and pickup litter sticks. Dress in clothes and shoes that can get dirty and wet. Volunteers will meet in the Ledges Whitewater Park parking lot on Riverside Drive (NC 251). To participate -- or if you know of a stream or creek that leads to the French Broad River that is in need of cleaning -- call 828-252-8474 ext. 118. | For more details about this Saturday's cleanup, Click Here>