Rain or shine, the second annual Harmon Field Music Festival will take place this Saturday from 12-9 p.m. This family-friendly festival will feature seven live, local and regional bands, and there will be food, drinks, games, and activities for the kids. The nonprofit Fans of Harmon Field will use all money raised from the festival to maintain and improve Tryon’s beloved Harmon Field.

The music will definitely be rocking in a variety of styles. Bands will include Larry Hoskinson doing a solo tribute to John Lennon to kick off the show at noon; The Deadfields; Honey and the Hot Rods; Bayou Diesel; The Secret Band; Diamond Bullet; and closing out the night will be Tryon’s own, 176.

These bands are all from the region and write, record, and play primarily their own music. On Facebook, find and like the Harmon Field Music Festival so you can follow links to all of the band’s websites and music.

In addition to the larger live music stage this year, there will be food and drink available all day from a variety of vendors, a kid’s village with a bouncy house and face painting, and many vendors selling crafts, food, drinks and merchandise. A new feature this year will be a big bonfire at 7:30 p.m.

The primary organizer of the music festival is Dennis Nagle, who has chaired the Blue Ridge Barbeque Festival and done much good in Tryon. He wanted to address the challenge of funding for improvements at Harmon Field, and add to the budget for equipment and other improvements. He also wants to bring in people from other communities to enjoy and support the park.

Another organizer is Travis Aldred, who is the park superintendent. He always loves the music at the BBQ Festival and thought another music festival could be a lot of fun, and might help raise funds for such things as a reel mower to cut the grass really nicely as opposed to the current mulching mowers. A new reel mower can cost $40,000, but they are hoping to find a nice used one for around $2,500.

Many local businesses will be supporting the event, and if you are interested in helping or having a vendor booth please call Dennis Nagle at 828-817-2774.

Come on out Saturday, April 25 from 12-9, rain or shine, for a great time to benefit a great place, Harmon Field!

-Submitted by Rich Nelson