Community Holiday Extravaganza
Read 2 Succeed event hosts children’s book authors J.P. Miller & Kelle Jolly.
Two nationally celebrated writers will headline the 2025 Community Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Arthur R. Edington Center.
This beloved community celebration is one of the season’s most joyful family events—completely free and open to the entire community.
J.P. Miller, an Asheville native and acclaimed author, brings powerful stories of African Diaspora heroes to life through her vibrant nonfiction books, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll. Miller’s work blends deep cultural pride with her rich experiences as a veteran, educator, and youth leader, inspiring children to see themselves in history and in possibility.
Joining her is regional favorite Kelle Jolly, a musician, vocalist, and storyteller known for her radiant presence and her signature ukulele. Jolly will share her book Lady Fay Ukulele and treat families to a festive holiday jazz concert with band members. Her artistry, rooted in the African American traditions of Appalachia, continues to uplift audiences of all ages.
“This event is always one of the brightest moments in our year because it creates joyful, affirming experiences around reading for children and families,” said Ashley Allen, Co-Executive Director of R2S.
“When students meet Black authors and see their own stories reflected in books, it strengthens their connection to literacy. Asheville and Buncombe County are building remarkable networks of support for young readers, and the Holiday Extravaganza brings that work to life.”
From 12-4 p.m., families can enjoy free lunch from Blessed Soul Food, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, cotton candy, and a “Make Your Own Sweet Cone” station with Betty Boards AVL. The Extravaganza also features holiday carnival games, prizes, a BIPOC Holiday Market featuring local vendors, free copies of each author’s book, face painting, music, and many more festive surprises.
The 2025 Community Holiday Extravaganza is presented by Read 2 Succeed with support from Buncombe Partnership for Children. The Arthur R. Edington Center is located at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville.
About Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe
Founded in 2009, Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe is an independent literacy nonprofit dedicated to helping close the race-based opportunity gap through community-powered literacy programming. Read 2 Succeed programs reach 250 PreK–Elementary students and families in Asheville and Buncombe County each week. For more information, please visit www.r2sasheville.org.
