828 Day (August 28) is a celebration of Asheville and Buncombe County’s hospitality, food and beverage workforce and industry. And there’s lots to celebrate, thanks to partners Explore Asheville, the Asheville Tourists, Asheville Brewers Alliance, and of course, AIR!

First, join the Asheville Brewers Alliance and AIR for an Industry Night Pre-party at Terra Nova Beer Company (101 South Lexington Avenue). Employees of ABA and AIR member breweries and restaurants will get a delicious, free beer from Terra Nova and $5 off their food order that evening. Plus, it’s just a great way to connect with fellow members of the F&B industry. 

Then, Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, and the Asheville Tourists are serving up a special ticket offer to travel and hospitality industry professionals in Asheville and Buncombe County (along with their family and friends) for the Asheville Tourists baseball game against the Hickory Crawdads at McCormick Field.

For a total ticket price of just $4 per person (discounted from $10.50 + fees), join travel and hospitality colleagues for a night out at the ballpark on Wednesday, August 28. Tickets are available online with the code: 828NIGHT. Partners can purchase up to 10 tickets through the link below. Those who would like to purchase more than 10 tickets can call 828-258-0428 ext. 205.

And, check this out, The Tourists are auctioning off the special “Power of Travel” jerseys players will wear during the game to support AIR’s Financial Empowerment Program. The auction begins August 21 and runs through August 29. Ready to bid and support local restaurant employees? Head to this link. 

The Financial Empowerment Program offers restaurant employees a 6-month program covering topics like debt management, using credit wisely, access to homeownership, beginning investing, and saving for retirement. 24 local restaurant employees recently graduated the program and several paid down debt, improved their credit scores and began saving for a down payment. Plus, they earned a 2:1 match on their savings during the program.