A back to school bash at Tryon United Methodist Church transformed an ordinary August Saturday into a day-long celebration for more than 200 visitors. Outside, families enjoyed free food and drinks while children played games and tested inflatable play structures. Inside, they found gifts for their teachers, an assortment of donated winter coats and more than 100 hand-painted tote bags stuffed with school supplies. By the end of the day, 40 students had gone home sporting new back-to-school haircuts, tote bags full of supplies and exhausted. According to Bob Bailey, one of the event organizers at Tryon United Methodist Church, a large number of volunteers went home equally exhausted but grateful for an opportunity to show love and concern for young families throughout the county. (photo submitted by Nancy Hiley)