10-16-03 CONTACT: Wally Bowen, 255-0182

"Halloween with Hightower" celebrates
grassroots action in WNC

ASHEVILLE -- Best-selling author Jim Hightower returns to Asheville on Thursday, Oct. 30 for a follow-up to the May, 2003 Rolling Thunder bash that took the Civic Center by storm with an entertaining crash-course in grassroots politics.

"Halloween with Hightower" will take place at the Asheville High School Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., according to Barbara McCampbell, coordinator of Rolling Thunder/Asheville. The event serves as a fundraiser for both Rolling Thunder/Asheville and WPVM 103.5 FM. WPVM ("The Progressive Voice of the Mountains") is Asheville's new low-power FM radio station, licensed to the Mountain Area Information Network.

In addition to a rousing call-to-action from the famed populist Hightower, the event will feature Spooky Sponsors illustrating the frightening state of American politics. A costume contest, music, entertainment and opportunities to connect with citizen-action groups from throughout the region will round out the fun-filled evening. Hightower will also be signing copies of his best-seller, Thieves in High Places, which will be available for sale at the event.

"Our first Rolling Thunder event proved that the grass roots are strong and deep in western North Carolina," McCampbell said. "Now we want to channel that energy into positive change by connecting citizens with opportunities to make a difference."

While Rolling Thunder always puts an emphasis on fun, Mountain Area Information Network executive director Wally Bowen said the populist movement it represents is as important today as any time in American history.

"Populism was born as a reaction to the rise of excessive corporate power in the late 19th century," Bowen said. "Today we see corporations looting the public treasury and employee pension funds, and once again it will take focused activism by citizens to restore a balance of power. Rolling Thunder and WPVM are both critical tools in that effort."

Admission to "Halloween with Hightower" is $10 for adults ($8 for those in costume) and $5 for students with identification. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit www.main.nc.us/rollingthunder or email rollingthunder@main.nc.us.