Six years ago, a group of beer enthusiasts decided to start the first Tryon Beer Fest. The event has been a successful fundraiser, and highly anticipated event each year. Over many years, Tryon Beer Festival has supported the downtown district, as well as the community at large through nonprofit partnerships.

 The Tryon Beer Fest Committee, an arm of the Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA), has contributed to downtown by paying for the installation of electrical outlets and water hookups at the Depot Plaza, as well as funds to help support marketing and promotion of the downtown through events like the Christmas Stroll, Halloween Stroll and more.

Recently, Tryon Beer Fest funds, in combination with other funds raised from TDDA, have contributed over $3,000 in façade grants for building improvements, business incentives and beautification in Downtown Tryon. Grants have been provided to Manna Cabanna, EquiTreasures, A Taste of Olives & Grapes, and Foothills Fine Art in 2017.

Additionally, Tryon Beer Fest spends thousands in advertising dollars every year to promote the Town of Tryon, and the festival. We’ve leveraged even more through in-kind advertising donations, editorial articles, TV, and radio spots, not only to get people to the festival, but also to visit downtown, stay overnight, and spend their dollars in Tryon.

The Tryon Beer Fest has built partnerships through volunteerism every year, with a nonprofit partner. Big Brothers Big Sisters received a portion of proceeds for several years as our volunteer partner. This year, volunteers from the Foothills Humane Society will be our partner in the event.

Tryon Beer Fest has also had a longstanding partnership with the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses including McGourty’s Pub, The Tryon Bottle (La Bouteille), Richard Nelson Art (Skyuka Fine Art), the Tryon Coffee House Co-op, New View Realty, The Tryon Daily Bulletin, and more.

The Tryon Beer Fest cannot be accomplished without our generous sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor, New View Realty. Additional sponsors in 2017 include First Citizens Bank, Tryon Theatre, Blake Smyth CPA and Williamson’s Paint. Sponsorships are still available to support this event and downtown projects.

Please come out and support Tryon Beer Fest and have a great time with your friends, neighbors, and visitors! For more information, please visit www.tryonbeerfest.com.

Jamie Carpenter, Executive Director Tryon Downtown Development Association