The City of Blue Ridge will experience a tremendous boom during the next few years - alas, the next few months, thanks to all the positive changes that are happening down-town. This unfortunately will affect Fannin County businesses in a somewhat negative way, as truth be told, the playing field is not leveled! I believe we all know the reason why!

Long time coming, but finally a reality - the Aska Adventure Association was formed here a few weeks ago, with a very encouraging out-pour of support by local businesses and residents alike! Thanks all of you who joined and who are supporting the Aska area!

We have had a number of events, including an art fair last weekend by Shallowford Bridge, which was by the way awesome, with a relatively great turn out. Christmas activities are being organized, including our own 'Illuminate Aska' on November 27th, starting with lighting up our Christmas Tree on the Lilly Pad Pond as well as lighting display at Shallowford Bridge and many businesses in between. Throughout the entire season (starting on the 27th until December 31st) guests will be able to see awesome lighting displays, art and craft exhibits at the Lilly Pad (we are NOT charging any rent - this is purely an event to put our 'main street' on the map). We'll have Santa photo-ops as well as well as story telling by Mrs Santa; hay rides, carolers and (hopefully, if I can get it going) an ice skating rink!

The purpose of this post is to make people aware of the fact that the Aska area businesses and residents are actively working on making this area a destination (we do have to compensate for some shortcomings in Fannin County) as well as to let everyone know that we are looking for artists and crafts people to exhibit (and sell) their wares; we are looking for suggestions and hopefully volunteers to help with caroling, dress up as Santa or simply sit and tell Christmas stories to children!

The Association's web site is Stay Here, Play Here: Welcome to ASKA - otherwise any interested parties may contact me at the Lilly Pad at 706-534-1317!

It is time to create our own down-town - please be part of it!

Holiday cheers to all!

Geza

Geza,
Is there a way we can get on a mailing list so we can stay abreast of the "goings on"? Thanks for promoting this! Now we just need to get the leaders that be to relax the regulations that keep wonderful businesses like yours held down by a few ultra conservatives that don't have the average person's well being at heart.
Great web site!

Wayne Newberry

Wayne:
The web site has a sign up box for our mail list.... Thanks for your support!
Geza

Great Job! Remember, there is strength in numbers...the number of businesses and residents who are pro-Aska area. All voters by the way! I think that you will succeed in getting a level playing field, though it may take a little longer. Keep up the good work.

I hope you get a skating rink - that's something I always wanted to do!

What exactly do you mean by this: The City of Blue Ridge will experience a tremendous boom during the next few years - alas, the next few months, thanks to all the positive changes that are happening down-town. This unfortunately will affect Fannin County businesses in a somewhat negative way, as truth be told, the playing field is not leveled! I believe we all know the reason why!

As an Aska business/property owner, I'll be joining Geza, thanks. Geza for mayor of unincorporated Aska, Geza for mayor...

It is very simple Morganton - have you been down-town Blue Ridge in the past few weeks? The Brewery opened with great success, most restaurants are getting packed due to being able to pour wine and beer, there are at least three restaurants that I know, under way to open including I believe a cigar bar. We at the Lilly Pad are no longer sending tourists to Murphy and Ellijay for a meal with a glass of wine, but sending them to BR. Gena and I are no longer dining in Murphy, but now are able to have an evening out in our City.

Because of the new restaurants, there will be more competition, hence better food and service - do I need to say more? Ahhh - one more thing - when tourists are staying to dine in BR, they will also shop in BR - all equates to $$$$ my friend! I VERY STRONGLY BELIEVE - alas, I KNOW that BR will boom! So let us not be left out of the race - Aska can do the same with or without Fannin County! If we have to incorporate Due Georgia, so be it! We already have the slogan: "Do it in Due" Hate to contemplate taking away Fannin's best tax base, but if Fannin County does not support business than .... oh well!

Cheers

So, are you saying they will stop rolling up the sidewalks at 5 PM downtown

Not just yet Lee - but what huge strides in the past few months! Every one will benefit - retailers, realtors, builders and us, full timers of course! Now, if we could only get this going for the rest of the County ...... we already have a gem here - just imagine the possibilities.

In fact I would like to extend an invitation to all Aska residents to attend the next meeting on Monday the 16th. It will be held at the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant's new addition - River Rest, at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!