by Samantha Hurst
Magic happens each year at Super Saturday – Tryon’s annual Children’s Theater Festival – by drawing droves of performers to the stages of the Tryon Fine Arts Center, Tryon Theater, Holy Cross Episcopal and Tryon Congregational churches.
“It’s amazing to me what the organizers do with as little money as they have to make it all work. It’s all completely funded by donations and all completely put together by volunteers,” said board member Stephanie Winterrowd.
Winterrowd said it takes volunteers to write grants, sell tickets, plan promotions, set up performers, enlisting day-off volunteers and more.
This year’s festival is Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on and around Melrose Avenue in Tryon.  The box office will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Tryon Fine Arts Center the week before the big day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“They have such good quality shows. Even though the shows are aimed at children it’s a good way to see art in an inexpensive way,” Winterrowd said.  “The idea that we send  tickets to schoolchildren first and they get first-pick. The event is great because it’s difficult when you have kids to even get to a show, let alone afford to take your whole family.”

Mainstage performers this year will include:

Peter Boie
Boie first became fascinated with magic at the age of eleven when he stumbled across a magic book at his local library.  He now travels around the country performing his award winning magic that will defy your reality.  Peter’s show is about two things, astonishing magic, and having a good time. Boie was nominated for “Entertainer of the Year 2014” from Campus Activities Magazine.

Avner the Eccentric
Avner’s new show, Exceptions to Gravity, defies the barriers of language and culture and has toured extensively all over the US and abroad. Avner has often played on subscription at regional theaters including Arena Stage, Trinity Rep, Actor’s Theater of Louisville, The Empty Space, Indiana Rep, The Goodman Theater, Portland Stage, Merrimack Rep, Virginia Stage Company, Dallas Theater Center, Seacoast Rep, and San Jose Rep.

Mask Theater
The world-famous Gateway Productions from Atlanta will thrill audiences at the Congregational Church with their act “Mostly Mime.” This concert of Gateway’s signature solo and duo performance pieces has delighted audiences of all ages throughout North America and Europe, using remarkable masks and intricate costumes to bring enchanting stories to life.

Roger Day
Day’s “Marsh Mud Madness” mixes music and science to introduce children to the plants and animals that live in and around the salt-water marshes and beaches of the barrier islands. Day engages the audience by getting kids and adults alike stomping their feet and clapping their hands.

Columbia Marionettes
Founded in 1988 by famed puppeteer Allie Scollon and her son, John, the Columbia Marionette Theatre (CMT) has established itself as a premiere children’s theatre in South Carolina. CMT’s mission is to entertain and educate children and adults through the long-standing tradition and artistry of puppetry.
NC Youth Tap Ensemble
The NC Youth Tap Ensemble has been hailed as one of the best youth tap ensembles in the world, featuring dancers ages 8 to 18 who hail from North Carolina. These dancers tear up the floor with poise, passion and professionalism.

Mark Nizer
Making the impossible possible and the improbable probable, Mark Nizer has taken his one-man show to a variety of venues around the world, including The Improv, The Comedy Store, Walt Disney World and thousands of college campuses.

Pork Chop Productions
Founded in 1991, Porkchop Productions is a professional theatre company specializing in audience participation performances. Our interactive approach to our performances and residencies make for a one-of-a-kind theatre adventure.
Winterrowd has attended the event for about 25 of the 36 years.
“I’ve been going since 1979. I would have been almost 5 when they had the first one and I went to the first 13 before graduating,” she said. “I love going now because I run into lots of people that I graduated high school with, who may not live in this area any more, but they bring their kids back for Super Saturday.”
Those who have never experienced the magic of Super Saturday are in for a treat, Winterrowd said, as magicians perform unbelievable tricks, mimes entrance with exaggerated expressions and giant puppets roaming the town.
The festival’s website even encourages, “Come dressed with magic in mind! Pull a rabbit out of your hat or be the rabbit. A giant deck of trick cards or turn your brother into a toad (so someone can kiss him to make him the prince he was meant to be). Just don’t disappear you’ll miss some great shows.”
There is, of course, the unifying event of the annual Super Saturday parade. This feast for the eyes brings out painted faces, theatrical costumed individuals, drummers and kids just wanting to waive at friends.
Winterrowd was a former logo girl for Super Saturday, which meant as a high school student she volunteered to carry banners in the parade for performers.
Don’t forget the magic of a picnic either. Kids will enjoy finding a piece of grass or sidewalk to plop down on as they enjoy hot dogs, barbecue, Chick-fil-a and even PB and J sandwiches. A multitude of other items including baked goods and drinks will also be available for purchase.
Visit www.tryonsupersaturday.org for more information.