On Wednesday, Dec. 31 beginning at 7 p.m., Tryon will host its annual “Tryon Midnight” event at the clock tower and St. Luke’s Plaza in downtown Tryon. This Polk County New Year’s Eve event has been generously funded by a “Community Matters” grant from the Polk County Community Foundation (PCCF) and organized by the Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA).

“Our theme for this year is to ‘Keep it Local and Keep it Free,’” noted Tryon Midnight co-organizer Michael Baughman. “We want to provide a safe and free opportunity for all of Polk County to come ring in the New Year with their neighbors.”

This year’s free event will feature a host of family-friendly activities, live music, locally sourced food, plus prizes and giveaways for all ages.

“Included in the totally free event is the live band ‘Special Edition’ featuring Tryon’s own Woody Cowan, and snack options from sweets to pizza and chili,” notes co-organizer Judd Daniel, of Daniel Dry Goods in Tryon.

Notes Michael Baughman, “This year will also feature a ‘Kids Zone’ complete with an obstacle course and activities for kids of all ages. More importantly, there will be volunteers helping keep your kids safe.”

Keeping Polk County residents’ safe, happy and warm on New Year’s Eve is another priority, with fire barrels and heat lamps to be placed along North Trade.

“This unique event amplifies the already intense excitement of Tryon Midnight’s Ten O’clock Ball Drop,” notes Judd Daniel. “It’s one of the best Western North Carolina experiences on New Year’s Eve.”

For more information on Tryon Midnight visit facebook.com/DowntownTryon.