The Tryon Fine Arts Centers Ultimate Holiday Party will be held Thursday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m.

TFAC will kick off the holiday season with a cocktail party that will feature local merchants selling gifts to benefit TFAC and the arts in the Carolina foothills community.

Shoppers can bid in the silent auction on a fabulous trip to New York City and a romantic Valentines Day weekend to Charleston thanks to the generous donation by Rick Webel, said Trip Hoffman co-chair for the event.

We also have rounds of golf compliments of Red Fox Country Club, The Cliffs and BMW Driving School excitement, added Hoffman. If that is not enough there are private Pilates lessons, Carolina Panther box seat tickets, pet portraits, bridge lessons, resistance free horseback riding lessons, a night at the Red Horse Inn and catered a dinner for four donated by Pat Strother.

TFAC will be selling pre-wrapped Morris the Horse Christmas Tree Ornaments, certificates for massages and facials by Betty Ann Foster and Essence Day Spa, cheesecakes by Judy Warden and Chris Farrell, key lime pies by Holly Tyson and rum cakes by Lee Major.

The gift gallery will feature local merchants: Vines and Stuff, Accents on Main, Kathleens Simply Irresistible Gallery, Thompson Landscape and The Farm House, jewelry by Holly Tyson, Victoria Jetton Design, Fredericks Design Studio and clothing by PJs Fashions. All merchants are donating part of their profits back to TFAC.

The Ultimate Holiday Party will also feature Jim Peterman and his band along with guest vocalist Suzy Kocher. Food and drinks will be provided by Pat Strother and Tom Foster. Valet Parking provided. Cocktail attire is suggested.

For information on how to reserve your spot contact TFAC by calling 828-859-8322 ext. 213 or www.tryonarts.org.