by Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

 

This Sunday will mark the official dedication of the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) with the facility being dedicated to the nearly 600 community members who helped construct the facility over the past eight months.

The dedication is open to the public without an admission charge. A competition begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 with the dedication beginning at 1 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to arrive by 12:30 p.m. for the dedication.

The competition on Sunday is a $100,000 Grand Prix, which offers the richest purse in area equestrian history.

The dedication will include the unveiling of a carousel as well as dedicating TIEC’s five rings, which will be named after local equestrian legends: Carter P. Brown, the Reynolds family, Gordon Wright, Jarrett Schmid and George Morris. Morris will be in attendance on Sunday.

The carousel will be dedicated to the children of the community.

The day features the unveiling of the hand-painted Venetian carousel, a blessing of the show grounds, a performance by the Polk County High School Band, a performance by local band Project X, as well as other children’s activities, including the carousel, face painting and a magician.

The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club will also be hosting their Sunday “ice cream social” at the TIEC on Sunday.

Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Properties, said this week Sunday is intended to be a big celebration for the entire community.

“This is something that’s going to have such a great impact on this community now and into the future,” said Bellisimo. “It’s going to be a great day.”

Tryon Equestrian Partners will also announce a significant community charitable initiative and outline TIEC’s spring calendar of events on Sunday.

Events this week at TIEC began on Wednesday, Oct. 1 as part of the TIEC’s Fall Festival. A Welcome Class begins at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, followed by an Exhibitor Party.

TIEC is located at 4066 Pea Ridge Rd., Mill Spring, directly off Exit 70 (Pea Ridge Road) on U.S. 74.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center

Owned by Tryon Equestrian Partners, the Tryon International Equestrian Center is the anchor of the new Tryon Resort. The equestrian facility includes five riding arenas with world-class footing and 500 permanent stables. When fully completed, the equestrian facility will feature up to 10 riding arenas (including one with stadium seating for 6,000), 1,000 permanent stalls, elevated and shaded viewing decks, a large covered riding facility and the Tryon Sports Complex.

For more information visit www.TryonHorseShows.com.