If you are a beer connoisseur, or even a novice, no doubt you are counting down the days for
Tryon’s 3rd Annual Beer Fest that returns this November 8. Not only will there be an all-star
craft beer line-up, an Oyster Roast, fabulous food available, and views of our gorgeous
Foothills, but the entertainment is sure to get many a toe’ tap’-ing as well.

The Foothills Oompah Band band opens the Beer Fest, performing from noon – 2:30 p.m.
With a set list of authentic German and Bavarian music, their marches, polkas, and waltzes
will get you up and grabbing your partner to join in the dancing fun. You’ll be sure to enjoy
their lively rendition of “The Beer Barrel Polka” which is the quintessential favorite for any
Octoberfest gathering. And who doesn’t love “Dance Little Bird”? Perhaps you may know it
better as “The Chicken Dance.” Prefer something sweet and traditional? Their rendition of
“Edelwiess” won’t leave a dry eye at the festival. The band has been playing all over
Western North Carolina at festivals and private functions for years. They perform with
traditional instruments such as the tuba, accordion, euphonium, clarinet, drum, and trumpet.
They will be in full Bavarian style costumes, and may even join dancing Beer Fest goers to
show them a new step or two.

Christopher Laughter has been with our festival from the beginning and we are honored to
have him join us again this year. This 24 year-old from Saluda adds so much to the charm of
our little festival that each year the Beer Fest Committee unanimously votes to have him
back. He is a musical magician on the accordion, has a lovely singing and yodeling voice,
and is a proficient bell ringer! Who knew bell ringing could be so engaging? (You can check
him out on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUzbIiCYf_8) Although he is a young
performer, he has over 16 years of experience and looks fantastic in his lederhosen.
Christopher takes requests and performs throughout the festival.

Local favorite rock band 176 will take the stage from 3 – 6 p.m. Although they play some
cover songs, they are known for their original music. “Enjoy The Ride” was their first CD, and
their second is well underway and being recorded now. Check out 176band.com to enjoy a
few of their tunes and videos online. No doubt their title track will get you moving and geared
up to enjoy them at the fest. Band members are, Ian Harrod on bass and vocals, Rich
Nelson on guitar, keyboard and vocals, and Robbie Johnson on drums and vocals. An added
bonus with this band is their guest musicians that often join in the fun. Stepping in will be a
horn section including: Vinny Corda, Tony Maccheroni, and David Walen. Jim Peterman is
also expected to join in on keyboard, and Lee Stockdale on harmonica. Rumor has it that
Rich’s other band, The Trophy Husbands are expected to attend the Beer Fest; Doug Dacey,
Andy Costine and Stan Halbkat just might join in on what will likely become one ‘epic jam
session’. Clearly, you won’t want to miss the music at this year’s Tryon Beer Fest.

Tryon Beer Fest tickets can be purchased online at www.tryonbeerfest.com, or at La’Boutielle and
at McGourty’s in downtown Tryon. Last year’s Fest brought in nearly 700 festival goers, and
this year’s numbers are expected to exceed that. Tickets are limited. This is a Tryon
Downtown Development Association sponsored event. This is a 21+ event, ID must be
presented at gate, no pets please. Follow us on Facebook.

-article submitted by Kim Nelson