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Hundreds turned out to enjoy craft beer, live music, and camaraderie at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Hundreds turned out to enjoy craft beer, live music, and camaraderie at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Hundreds turned out to enjoy craft beer, live music, and camaraderie at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Jeff Allison and Matthew Lytle of Tryon enjoy the festival.

Lazr Luvr performs at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Bill Crowell of Tryon rocks a fun face-painting design at Saturday's Beer Fest. (Photo by Jeff Allison)

Our local brewery, Iron Key Brewing Company, proudly represents Polk County. (Photo By Mark Levin)

Volunteers Gina Macaluso, Vic Cegielski, and Lori Geddings are just three of many awesome volunteers who helped make the event so special. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Ian Harper and “The” Pete Viehman. Pete is one of the founders of the Tryon Beer Fest. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Marty, Gail, and Bruce…and Bruce has been to all 13 Tryon Beer Fests. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Peter Eisenbrown of Saluda shows off his volunteer t-shirt. (Photo by Mark Levin)

Tim, Lourdes, Jamie…(Left to right) Tim Daniels (Town of Tryon), Lourdes Gutierrez (Tryon Downtown Development Association), and Jamie Carpenter (Asheville Ale Trail) were on-hand to see another successful Tryon Beer Fest get underway. (Photo by Mark Levin)

TRYON—Hundreds turned out to enjoy craft beer, live music, and camaraderie at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday. 

In addition to good food from local vendors, unlimited craft beer samples, and nearly perfect weather for the event, guests were also treated to performances from Kayla McKinney and Lazr Luvr. This year’s event theme was “Superstitions and Lucky 13.”

Sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association and New View Realty, the Beer Fest donated a portion of its proceeds to the Asheville Brewer’s Alliance this year to help the many breweries that have supported the event over the last 12 years recover from the effects of Helene. 

The festival did not disappoint, with games like Hoppy Hammer, Giant Jenga, and Stein Hoist and a photo booth with this year’s theme. Attendees could also get their faces painted by a local artist.  

“We think having so many folks out here today is fantastic. So many were anxious to get out and enjoy the festival,” said Kathy Toomey of New View Realty. “We are so grateful for all the volunteers who helped put this together. We actually had more volunteers sign up this year than ever before. We’re also very thankful for Mirrorball Gallery, which allowed us to utilize their new patio space for our VIP area this year. It worked out great; everything came together perfectly.”

Guests loved the atmosphere and vibes at the event, which has become a highly anticipated tradition for downtown Tryon. Many commented on how great it was to see participation from breweries hurt by the recent storm. 

“I think one of the most important things is getting all these Asheville breweries out here after the devastation due to Helene,” said Dulci Juenger of Tryon. “It is heartwarming to see. They need our support and love right now, for sure.”

Others were big fans of the musical acts at the event. 

“I think the bands have been incredible,” said Mitchell Frolich of Landrum. “I really dig the style of Lazr Luvr. They put on a great show!”

Although the Beer Fest has become a favorite among locals, visitors across the region attended the event. 

“We never miss it,” said Ashley from Greenville, S.C. “We come out every year!”

Along with Asheville-based brewing companies such as Highland, Hi-Wire, Sweeten Creek, Voodoo, and Noble Cider, guests also sampled craft beers from Brevard’s Oskar Blues Brewery and Hendersonville’s Oklawaha and Dry Falls Brewing. Charlotte’s Armored Cow and NoDa Brewing Company were also featured, as well as Polk County’s own Iron Key Brewing Company.

A good time was had by all at the 13th annual Tryon Beer Fest, with guests no doubt eager to return for next year’s event.

“I think this is what we need right now,” said TDDA Director Lourdes Gutierrez. “We’re so happy to have everyone here today!”

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