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Parade and trailer tours raise money for local charities

 

TRYON–Downtown Tryon hosted the Airstream trailer “Trot into Tryon” urban rally this weekend, April 21 through 23.

 

Second-graders of Tryon Elementary School welcomed the Carolinas Airstream Club members with waves and signs as they made their arrival down Trade St. on Friday at 10 a.m.

 

Calling themselves Airstreamers, the group travels the country reenacting the vision of Wally Byam, the founder of Airstream. The Carolinas Airstream Club is one of over 100 Airstream Clubs across the globe.

The Carolinas Airstream Club travels to different areas for the rallies, and this will be the second rally hosted by Tryon.  

“This is the first time we’ve been here to Tryon,” said Jan Thompson of Jacksonville, N.C., a member of the Airstream Club. “But we’ve been doing the Airstream for about five years.”

Last year the event raised roughly $600 for the Tryon Downtown Development Association, according to event organizer Denny Crowe. This year’s event will raise money for the Thermal Belt Outreach, a Columbus organization that provides food and financial assistance for Polk County families, as well as special programs for children and veterans.

Outreach had a tent set up in front of Marengo’s, where two original pieces of art by Marie King and a weekend in a Tryon bungalow were available for silent auction, and there was a food drive for Outreach as well.

“At the end of the week of shopping and dining locally, these Airstreamers will leave with a real sense of place and a love of Tryon,” said Crowe. “While in town, the Airstreamers provide a boost to our local economy by supporting all of the businesses and restaurants that our town has to offer. Their commitment to supporting our local economy is what this urban Airstream rally is all about.”

On Saturday, Airstream owners opened up their trailers for attendees to tour the interiors and meet club members. There was also additional entertainment throughout downtown Tryon, including live music.

Tryon Elementary second graders welcome The Carolinas Airstream Club to Tryon on April 21  (Photo by Grant Langston)

Steve and Jan Thompson with their Airstream trailer (Photo by Grant Langston)