It all began March 10, 1979. A theater festival especially for children – soon to be known as Super Saturday – brought to Tryon laughter, music, song, dance, comic performances, puppets, storytelling, juggling, magic and a parade down Melrose Avenue.
Now in 2012, the 34th annual Super Saturday is coming March 17. Playing the Tryon Fine Arts Center will be Ivan Pecel, a comedic juggler who will wipe out every notion you ever held about juggling, and Al Simmons, who raided his attic for all sorts of junk that he turns into musical instruments.
At the Episcopal Parish House, the popular Tarradiddle Players return with “Commedia Cinderella,” and physical comedy/commedia/vaudeville maestro Doug Berky will perform his “No Show” show.
The Tryon Movie Theater will host Billy Bob Steinberg in his “Comedy Spectacular” and the award-winning Princess Katie and Racer Steve with their music for children.
Finally, at the Congregational Church, renowned storyteller Queen Nur will present “Sweet Potato Pie and Such,” African stories and music with audience participation, and the Grey Seal Puppets will perform “Tangle of Tales,” a blend of three international children’s favorites.
Out on Melrose Avenue will be a strolling magician, a caricature artist, a roving juggler, FENCE’s Peoplechase and others entertaining those between shows. The food court in the Baptist Church parking lot will have hot dogs, pizza, burgers, BBQ and other stuff to eat offered by local non-profits. Free entertainment will be on the community stage in the natural bowl above the food court.
Shows begin at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 and 2:30 p.m., each running about 50 minutes, with the parade at 12:15 p.m.
The theme of the event this year is “It’s Not Easy Being Green” (with a nod to Kermit the Frog) — March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Children in green-themed costumes are urged to march in the parade along with the performers.
Super Saturday’s overall sponsor this year is the Turner/Tennant Foundation. Tickets will go on sale in early March. For more information, visit www.tryonsupersaturday.com.
– article submitted by Connie Clark