Free food, children’s activities at Rogers Park Tuesday

TRYON — Local residents are invited Tuesday to celebrate summer at a free event at Rogers Park in downtown Tryon.

The town of Tryon, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Foothills Chamber of Commerce have partnered to throw the celebration from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

There will be barbecue and all the fixings, face painting and games for children, including hula hoops, giant Jenga, giant checkers and corn hole and music by the Trophy Husbands band. There will be vegetarian options for dinner as well.

Tryon Town Manager Zach Ollis said the town originally wanted to look into doing a chamber event and BBBS said they would like to help, so the celebration has evolved into what town officials think will be a great community event.

“The town is cooking some barbecue,” Ollis said. “It should be a good time.”

The town and Tryon Fire Department are cooking 50 Boston Butts, as well as beans and corn. Anything left over after the event, the town will donate to Meals on Wheels, Ollis said.

BBBS officials said they are excited for the partnership and the event to help highlight the program.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the town and chamber affording us the opportunity to highlight the benefits of both community and school-based mentoring, “ said BBBS Outreach Coordinator Mary Prioleau. “Hopefully we can endear new Bigs/Littles as a result of what is shaping up to be a wonderful, community event.”

The event is open to the public and free. Donations to BBBS are welcome.

Rogers Park is located at 55 West Howard St., Tryon, across from the Tryon Fire Department. The park includes a 200-seat amphitheater.

In case of rain Tuesday, participants are asked to bring chairs, as the event will move to the fire department.