TRYON, N.C. — On Saturday, March 29, the Town of Tryon held its annual April Fool’s Day Celebration, bringing locals together for a day of laughter and fun activities. This year’s event featured the renowned Outhouse Races, alongside a trash-themed fashion show, live music, and many activities for both kids and adults.
The celebration kicked off with a vibrant parade along Trade Street at noon, showcasing the festive spirit of the community. Participants included various local teams, the Foothills Humane Society, and Mayor Alan Peoples, who welcomed everyone to this unique event. Sam Bell, a longtime resident, said, “This is a great event, and a Tryon tradition we were glad to bring back. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come out, have fun, and take their mind off everything.”
Two years ago, Bell revived the Outhouse Races, which were first established in 2004. The Grand Marshal this year was Alex Schweizer, who celebrates his birthday on April Fools’ Day. Accompanied by emcee Steven Siler, Schweizer added to the day’s excitement with festive attire that brightened the celebrations.
The main attraction, the Outhouse Races, took place at the intersection of Palmer Street and North Trade. Three teams competed in this fun challenge, racing towards the iconic Clock Tower in creatively designed mobile outhouses. Among competitors were cleverly named teams like Porta-Pallet, the Dark Horse, and Royalty Doesn’t Rush, with the latter team amusingly dressed as jesters. The Dark Horse emerged victorious, followed closely by Porta-Pallet in second place, while Royalty Doesn’t Rush came in third.
Mayor Peoples expressed delight at the day’s events, calling it “Fantastic.” Grand Marshal Alex Schweizer reflected on his experience, stating, “We love visiting Tryon, and it’s great to be able to celebrate my birthday here at such a fun event with friends and family.”
The celebration continued with a spectacular Trashion Show, where contestants strutted down a makeshift runway clad in outfits made from recycled materials like newspapers and aluminum foil. The audience cheered enthusiastically as they applauded the creativity displayed in three distinct categories.
To further promote community spirit, the celebration hosted an Adopt-A-Dog event, coordinated by the Foothills Humane Society, and a community scavenger hunt supported by local businesses. As the festivities unfolded, St. Luke’s Plaza buzzed with live music performances, featuring The Conspiracy Theorists and Michael Baughman.
Families enjoyed numerous activities for children, such as crafts, balloon twisting, face painting, and the ever-popular Puppy Love Zone. Additionally, Tryon Yoga Center offered free yoga classes, while J.J. Pearson delighted attendees with a magical performance. This year’s April Fools’ Celebration was a resounding success, fostering laughter, creativity, and togetherness among community members.
