Car show, motorcyclists, chess tourney new this year
Columbus will be decked out in red, white and blue on Wednesday, July 4 for the town’s 50th Fabulous Fourth celebration.The festival will feature live music, a motorcycle program, a car show, a chess tourney and lots of food and drink options. Of course, a fireworks display will  wrap up the day with a bang (and plenty of ‘aahs’).
Portrait unveiling
A short ceremony will be held at 11:50 a.m. to unveil and dedicate the portrait of Bryant H. Womack Polk County commissioned for the Womack Building. The portrait was created by Tryon painter Rich Nelson.
Motorcycle, car shows
New this year will be a motorcycle show; Carquest will provide a door prize for the most popular bike. Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield will also present a program on motorcycles and riding at 6 p.m.
The Great Smokey Mountains and Peach Blossom Car Clubs will present a classic car show. Advanced Auto Parts will provide a door prize for the most popular car.
Chess tourney
Young people are invited to compete for cash prizes in a chess tournament to be held in Stearns Gym between 2-6 p.m.
Registration will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a review of the rules and qualification. There will be four tables of varying skill level, and each table is limited to six players, who will play round-robin in five 15-minute games, with a sixth tie-breaking round if needed.
Cash awards, provided by the Kiwanis Club of Tryon, range from $5 for third place on Board 4 to $30 for first place on Board 1 and will be distributed at 5:30 p.m.
To qualify to compete, a person must be under 19 and must know how to play chess. Students who have participated in the Polk Central School Chess Program automatically qualify. Others will need to pay a $1 registration fee and answer a simple question about a board position.
Registration will be at 2 p.m., and the tournament will last until 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Dr. Brian Crissey at 828-894-8444.