The tree with all its lights went up in front of the clock tower in Tryon this weekend – a finishing touch as the Tryon Downtown Development Association, like many other community groups in our area, prepares for the Christmas season. Below is a compilation of the various city events planned for this holiday season.

COLUMBUS
The city of Columbus is abuzz with Christmas spirit including plans for a parade this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade, sponsored by the Columbus Fire Department, begins at 4 p.m. Those participating in the parade should be in line by 3:30 p.m. The route runs along Mills Street through downtown. The procession is expected to be filled with a variety of floats, performances and decorations. To enter a float into the parade, contact Bobby Arledge at 828-894-3667 or bjacfd@windstream.net for a parade entry form. Arledge said groups can enter until Friday.
Throughout the day visitors to Columbus can also take a peek at gift items available inside the Columbus Town Hall. Handmade gifts will be on sale from local artisans and will include ironworks, jewelry, paintings, dog biscuits, fiber art and more. For more information, contact Ernie Kan at 828-899-5111.

LANDRUM
Landrum is all decked out and ready for its annual Christmas parade and stroll Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5-8:30 p.m. The parade route will start at O.P. Earle Elementary School and head through downtown, turning at Hare and Hound and on to the ball field. Foothills Amish Furniture will have a 10’x10’ Santa House for pictures with Santa. Musical groups will also perform, including Landrum children singing on Trade at First Citizens at 6:30 and a strings group at 7 p.m.
Carolina Horse and Carriage will be on N. Trade Ave. after the parade for rides through Landrum. Meanwhile, Operation Hope will host its annual chili cook-off the same night. Deep-fried candy bars and funnel cakes will also be for sale during the evening.
The Landrum Business Association has encouraged many local businesses throughout downtown to remain open and take advantage of the parade crowd.

SALUDA
Saluda is pulling out all the stops this year with its first parade along Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m.
This new event will be preceded on Friday, Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m. with the annual Hometown Christmas Stroll on Main St., Greenville St. and across the bridge. Music throughout the night can be found at Cathy Jackson Realty, Saluda Community Library, Saluda Police Department, the Purple Onion, Heartwood, Evening Shade Pottery, Thompson’s Store and Ward’s Grill, Saluda Grade, M.A. Pace, Somewhere in Time, Macon Bank, Joni’s Artisanal Wine & Beer, Wildflour Bakery and Saluda Inn & Wine Cellar.
The city will also host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Veterans Park at 7 p.m., which will be followed by a Ecumenical Service at Saluda Presbyterian Church at 8:30 p.m.
Then Saturday morning Mountain Life Realty will sponsor a Children’s Workshop at the Saluda Fire Department.
For more information call the Town of Saluda at 828-749-2581.

TRYON
The streets of downtown Tryon will ring in the holiday season with the Tryon Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m. Participants can stroll among downtown merchants, enjoying refreshments and treats while they visit with friends and begin their holiday shopping. Santa will make an appearance to hear what children young and old are wishing for this Christmas.

Performances at the clock tower throughout the evening will include the Tryon First Baptist Handbell Choir at 5 p.m., followed by Dance Dynamics, members of The Community Chorus and PCHS Vocal Impressions at 7 p.m. Other performances will include the Tryon United Methodist handbells at Owens at 5 p.m. and Jan Daugherty and The Fiddlers Fancy at 6:30 p.m. at the Upstairs Artspace. Also, don’t forget to stop by Skyuka Fine Art to bid on a silent ornament created by local artists specifically for this event. All sales of the ornaments will benefit TDDA.

There will also be a bonfire at Thompson’s Landscape & Outdoor Living by Bravo, and a chance to make Christmas crafts with Chris Baschon at the Trade St. Gallery Coffee Shop.
On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. parade of fire engines, community groups and businesses will make its way through downtown in the annual Tryon Christmas Parade. The parade sets off from Tryon United Methodist Church and ends less than a mile down the road. Organizations and groups wishing to take part can still sign up by calling 828-859-9566.