Trade St. in Tryon will close at noon for the Parade of Fools on Saturday, April 4 for the kick off of this year’s April Fool’s Fest. The day’s events will run from 12-6 p.m.

There will be the usual Outhouse and Stroller Races and loads of fun for everyone at the family activity area at St. Luke’s Plaza from 12-3 p.m. In addition to an arts and crafts area, there will be a foolish mash-up of lawn games from bubbles, coconut bowling and elephant march, to Twister, hopscotch, tic-tac toe, and more.

Festival attendees of all ages can also pick up an official April Fool’s Fest scavenger hunt card at the family activity area from 12-2 p.m. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in this event.

In order to participate in the drawing for prizes, scavenger hunt participants must visit at least 10 of the 18 stores listed on the official scavenger hunt card to spot the designated Morris the Horse figurine displayed in each location. The clerk at each participating store will punch their official card once a participant informs them where they spotted the Morris the Horse figurine.

Official April Fool’s Fest scavenger hunt cards with 10 punches, as well as the participant’s name, address, and phone number must be turned in to the family activity area by 2:45 p.m. to be accepted for the drawing for one of the gift certificates or coupons provided from the participating stores. The drawing will be held at the depot directly after the Trashion Show. Winning participants, not present for the drawing, will be contacted after the festival to arrange to pick up their prizes.

For more information about the festival, go http://www.facebook.com/TryonFoolsFest. To join the Parade of Fools, call Bill Crowell at 828-859-9278.

-Submitted by Robin Edgar