Gabby Horvath, an event organizer, at the Pride Pop-Up Market. (Photo by Storme Smith) 

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TRYON— On Sunday, the Tryon Depot Plaza was the setting for the third annual Pride Pop-Up Market, hosted by Back Alley Bud Bar & Boutique and Mirrorball Gallery. From 2 to 6 p.m., the event showcased live music and local vendors, and created a festive atmosphere embracing diversity and creativity.

Gabby Horvath, an event organizer, expressed her excitement about the event. 

“When we first opened our store, I decided I was going to hold a pride event, and here we are in our third year,” said Horvath. “We’re fortunate this year to partner with Mirrorball Gallery, providing a curated pop-up market filled with local vendors and artists.”

The pop-up market coincided with the “Love is Love” Pride Brunch & Dance Party at Mirrorball Gallery + Studio Lounge, a ticketed affair that started at 3 p.m. This collaboration resulted in a spirited celebration of love, identity, and community. 

Vendors at the market included an array of local businesses and organizations such as The Congregational Church, Tryon’s Hypnotic Massage Sleep Boutique, Freak Flag Art, Owly & Rayvens, A Fairy Tale: Fairy Hair of Mill Spring, Yeah That’s My Art, and Krishna’s Cupboard from Columbus. Local artisans, including Cozy & Quaint Quilts, Sean Brennan Art, Angel’s Pots and author Lance Williamson from Rutherfordton were also onsite. 

Back Alley Bud Bar & Boutique table served as a refreshing oasis from the heat with fans and cold drinks while entertaining guests with fun bracelet-making activities. Attendees were kept entertained by Tettra-Hydra entertainment, which provided hula hoops and bubble making.

The musical backdrop was provided by the Swannanoa Sweethearts, Appalachian Soul, and Izzi Hughes.

Generous donations were collected throughout the event for the Campaign for Southern Equality.