Beer lovers are gearing up for Tryon’s fourth annual Beer Fest that returns this Nov. 7, 2015. Not only will there be an all-star craft beer line-up, an oyster roast, fabulous locally made food, fun games, a photo booth, and views of our gorgeous Foothills in all of their fall splendor, but the entertainment is sure to get many up and shaking their booty as well!

The Mountain Top Polka Band opens the Beer Fest and we are pleased to announce that Christopher Laughter, who has been a performer at our festival since 2012, has joined their band. Congrats to Christopher and Mountain Top! With a set list of almost 100 authentic German and Bavarian songs, The Mountain Top Polka Band’s marches, polkas and waltzes will get you 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 a bit of yodeling, you say? “Schutzenliesel” should fit the bill to get your yodel-ay-he-hoo’s going.

The band has been playing all over western North Carolina since 2009. 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 may just entertain us with his traditional bell ringing as well!

The rock band Suburban Angst joins us this year from Atlanta! Their energetic cover tunes will take us rockin’ into the second half of the Beer Fest with us jumping to our feet and swaying with their beat! For more than six years, they have played for large private parties, Atlanta bar scenes, community wide music venues and fundraisers. They have also been a fixture at the BB&T Atlanta Tennis Open for several years. Modern rock and alternative with a few deeper cuts to “keep ’em guessing” is their specialty. You’ll enjoy hits from U2 to REM, the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Cage the Elephant! Band members say, “We’re all about helping you to have fun and release your inner ANGST!”

The Tryon Beer Fest tickets can be purchased online at tryonbeerfest.com, or at La Bouteille wine and beer boutique and at Tryon’s Co-Op Coffee House in downtown Tryon. Go online to learn more about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities for this event.

Last year’s fest brought in nearly 1,000 festivalgoers, and this year’s numbers are expected to exceed that. Get your tickets while you can, as they are limited. This is a Tryon Downtown Development Association sponsored event with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Polk County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is a 21 and over event  (sorry, no kids) and ID must be presented at the gate. No pets will be permitted at the festival. No guns are allowed on festival grounds either. Follow Tryon Beer Fest on Facebook and online. Cheers!

-Submitted by Kim Nelson