Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is concluding its fall season and Saturday Night Lights event series with Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 24. The highlight of the evening is a kids’ Halloween costume contest and trick-or-treating between booths, along with free face painting, airbrush tattoos, street performers and carousel rides.

New this week is the pony-inspired bouncy house where kids can jump off their sugar rushes. And rockabilly band, The Flying Saucers, will rock the crowd to end the fall series on a high note. Event gates open at 5 p.m. and the Grand Prix begins at 7 p.m.

Regional tourism organizations will be onsite with informational booths passing out candy for all of the children trick-or-treating. Registration for the costume contest will be open from 5 until 6:15 p.m. at the large white tent next to the George Morris arena. Costume judging will take place at 6:30 p.m. and winners in the categories of “Cutest,” “Spookiest” and “Most Creative” will receive gift certificates for onsite dining at TIEC. The contest is open to infants through age 13.

While the competition season at TIEC is ending, several dining options will remain open year round. Roger’s Diner, Legends Grille and Blue Ginger Sushi will remain open following the final Grand Prix giving locals and visitors ongoing ways to enjoy the equestrian center in the off season.

In addition to these year-round restaurants, several other restaurants will be open for the Saturday Night Lights event including Tryon Treats and Mane Street Coffee, or visit a vendor cart selling carnival favorites like lemonade, popcorn, roasted corn, cotton candy and ice cream.

Each Saturday Night Lights evening culminates with a sponsored Grand Prix competition held under the stadium lights in the George Morris International Arena.

For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.

– Submitted by Michelle Yelton