TRYON – If you find a painted rock in Tryon, Columbus or Harmon Field, it was likely created by area children who participated in the first 828 Rocks event at the Tryon Coffee House Co-op.

About 40 area children participated in the event on Saturday, July 1.

The event was organized by Lindy Buss and children were invited to paint rocks and then hide them.

“The concept is simple,” stated event organizers. “Paint a rock. Hide a rock. Hope someone finds it and smiles.”

The new movement has people hiding and seeking painted rocks in towns all across the country and it generates treasure hunting.

“We thought it would be great for Tryon to join in on the fun,” said the Tryon Coffee House Co-op.

The children participating hid rocks all over downtown Tryon as well as some taking rocks to Harmon Field in Tryon and in Columbus.