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TRYON—On Friday, the Tryon Downtown Development Association hosted its Fourth Friday event with the theme of “Fuzzy Fest.” The evening included live music at the plaza and adoptable pets from Foothills Humane Society and Paws, Prayers & Promises. 

The event initially had scheduled the election of a new dog mayor. However, due to “his excellent record while in office,” Toby Ziegler, a staffy-bully-Akita mix owned by Hollie Swofford, was given another term to serve as the 2024 Tryon Dog Mayor. Additionally, local artist and business owner Kristen Mode of eARThly Minds Gallery painted portraits of pets, with a portion of the proceeds from each piece of art going to the Foothills Humane Society.

Columbus business Love 2 Fly, owned by Tim and Gwen Ryan, was on hand to highlight Project Reunite, which uses drone technology to reunite lost pets with their owners. All Seasons Veterinary Hospital, run by Dr. Cristina Chumbler, was also on hand to provide information on their practice in Tryon. 

Live music filled the evening, with Two OK Guys performing at the Plaza. 80Six Gallery celebrated the collaboration of artists Chuck Mattern and Becky Hyatt Rickenbaker with snacks, drinks, and live music from Kirk Gollwitzer. The celebration also featured a live painting session by Rickenbaker. Next door, the musical duo Pearls Collide performed for the patrons of K.D.’s Seashack. 

Other noteworthy activities included the Tryon BookShelf hosting a book signing by author Drew Hines and Carrie Bass Photography & Art Studio holding a Tryon International Film Festival poster exhibit, while Wild Petunias handed out delicious samples and sparkling grape juice.

The next Fourth Friday celebration will be held on September 27 from 5 to 7 p.m., with Mercury Rising performing at the Plaza. 

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