The Christmas Stroll in Tryon is this evening and thanks to James Payne, Wanda May and the staff at the Tryon Daily Bulletin we are ready.
James and Wanda both kindly let me know that the Bulletin building is usually decorated each year and they hoped we would be continuing the tradition. Of course, I told them! Now, where to find the decorations? What did we usually do?
Pam McNeil, our production manager, said that we keep the decorations downstairs. Tony Elder, our pressman, confirmed they were there and he would have the building decorated on Wednesday.
Wednesday came and wouldn’t you know it, not a single light was working! Not the lights for the upstairs windows, the wreaths or the garland.
We quickly bought some new lights and Jeff Allison with the assistance of Jessica Taylor wrapped the wreath and garland with the lights. The bow was looking a little worn so that was replaced, too. Next came the ladder, staple gun and extension cords, and they were ready to decorate.
In the blink of an eye they had the garland up, the wreaths hung, and the extension cords in place. It was obvious to me that they had done this before. With the flick of a switch the lights illuminated the building and the Bulletin was officially decorated for the holidays. We were going to be ready.
The Tryon Christmas Stroll is sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association and made possible through the hard work and dedication of many individuals. I encourage you to spend this evening in Tryon and enjoy the many planned activities.
Shops will be open from 5 – 9 p.m. where you can find the perfect gift for someone special. Entertainment by Dance Dynamics will begin at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s Plaza. They will be followed by the Community Chorus and Tryon Presbyterian Choir, the tree lighting ceremony, Tryon First Baptist Bell Choir and then the all-time child’s favorite (and mine) Santa Claus. From 5 – 7 Lori Corda and the Ride With Daddy Band will be at the Nina Simone Plaza. The Polk County High School Band will perform at the Bank of America Steps at 6:15.
And don’t forget to stop by the Old Mill Market Square next to the Tryon Architectural Warehouse for some hot apple cider and a free picture with Santa.
So, put on your winter holiday wear and come on out this evening. You’ll likely find me warming up by the bonfire at the Bravo/Thompson on Palmer Street between 7:30 – 8:30, roasting marshmallows and joining in for some Christmas carols. I hope to see you there.
Betty Ramsey is the publisher of the Tryon Daily Bulletin. Her email address is betty.ramsey@tryondailybulletin.com.