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TRYON—The third annual “Trot into Tryon” Airstream Rally took place over the weekend. Over 20 Airstream trailers, measuring from 16 feet to 31 feet long, were set up throughout downtown Tryon, allowing community members a chance to see these iconic trailers up close. 

Airstream is an American travel trailer brand created by Wally Byam in the 1930s. The trailers are known for their distinctive shape and aluminum coachwork. 

The president of the Carolina Airstream Club, Steve Thompson, described the appeal of Airstream trailers, saying, “They are self-contained, have all the amenities of home, pull easy, and are built to last.”

Thompson also spoke highly of the Town of Tryon. 

“It’s a great little town, and the hospitality is indescribable. The restaurants and businesses have all been wonderful to us,” he said.

The ‘urban rally,’ as the Airstream Club members call it, kicked off on Friday morning at 10 a.m. with a lively Airstream parade led by the local fire department. The evening was filled with camaraderie as club members, hailing from as far as Wisconsin, Arizona, Minnesota, Florida, and all over the Carolinas, joined in the Fourth Friday celebration, and the day concluded with a Community Campfire on McCown Street hosted by the Polk County Parks & Recreation Department. 

The highlight of the weekend was the much-anticipated camper open house, held on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. This was an opportunity for everyone to explore the various Airstreams inside and out and get a taste of the Airstream lifestyle. The event was coordinated by Skip and Denny Crowe, with the support of The Carolinas Airstream Club, the TDDA, and the Town of Tryon. 

“The urban rallies started as a way to spotlight small towns and their downtowns,” said Skip Crowe. This is our third year, and it’s been by far the best. The Airstreamers have come from all over the country and have enjoyed visiting our local businesses and restaurants.”