Tryon – The Town of Tryon will host a one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve celebration with Tryon Midnight on Sunday, December 31. From 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., two blocks of Tryon’s main thoroughfare Trade Street will be closed, and the town clock tower will be the center of the celebration.
Unlike many New Year’s Eve celebrations that stretch well into the early hours of 2024, Tryon Midnight marks the occasion with a “ball drop” from the Clock Tower at 10 p.m.
Beginning nearly two decades ago, Tryon resident Dean Trakas brought the idea of the small-town ball drop to Tryon.
“We had to put our own twist on it,” said Trakas. He and fellow Tryon resident Andy Millard serve as emcees and hosts for the event.
The tradition of dropping the ball and welcoming the new year two hours early began to make the event as inclusive as possible.
“Tryon has a lot of equestrians,” said Trakas. “They have to be up early to take care of the horses.” The early end of the celebration also makes it a popular destination for families.
The event will include free children’s activities including face painting, street games like hopscotch, giant Jenga, and Twister, and a photo booth. All attendees can take advantage of free New Year’s Eve decorations including hats, beads, and noisemakers.
Local band Jim Peterman Quartet will provide a soundtrack of classic rock and modern party hits to keep the atmosphere festive. Restaurants throughout downtown Tryon will stay open late to provide a variety of cuisine for revelers to enjoy.
At 10 p.m., Trakas and Millard will drop the ball—a custom-decorated creation on a long fishing pole from Tryon’s Clock Tower. For anyone who misses the first “ball drop,” a second one follows at 10:15 p.m.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out,” said Trakas of the traditional second drop.
Tryon Midnight is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) and rounds out a busy year of events.
In 2024, TDDA will offer a full calendar of family-friendly events designed to increase visitation downtown and support local businesses.
Every month, TDDA will host a 4th Friday celebration. 4th Friday features extended hours for retailers, dining specials from Tryon’s independently owned restaurants, and an art walk among Tryon’s multiple art galleries.
TDDA will also support events for St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, and a Christmas Stroll on the first Friday in December, December 6, 2024. TDDA’s flagship event in 2024 will be the 13th Annual Tryon Beer Fest on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
More details about Tryon Midnight and upcoming 2024 events are available at www.downtowntryon.org.