Tryon businesses to unite to raise money for police chief’s son

TRYON — Tryon businesses will once again stay open late for the town’s Fourth Friday — but this time, it will be for a special cause.

The event will be done specifically to raise money for Tryon Police Chief Jeff Arrowood’s son, who is battling cancer. Trevor Arrowood, 22, a Polk County native who is serving as a police officer in Rock Hill, South Carolina, was recently diagnosed with a cancerous sarcoma in his heart. 

The Tryon Downtown Development Association and town of Tryon will host the Fourth Friday event, with shops staying open late, and businesses and restaurants agreeing to give a percentage of sales to the Arrowood family for medical bills.

“The TDDA and the town wanted to do something for Jeff and Trevor,” said Jamie Carpenter, executive director with the TDDA.

Fourth Fridays occur monthly, giving visitors a chance to stroll downtown Tryon and enjoy specials and live music offered by many businesses during the evening.

“On this special Fourth Friday on Aug. 24, restaurants will be donating a portion of proceeds from the day to support Trevor Arrowood,” Carpenter said. “In addition, local artists will be painting live on the street, with a silent auction throughout the evening, with a portion of funds being donated to Arrowood.”

Dixie Dirt, a local band, will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, with several raffles and fundraisers available prior to and on Friday.

Raffle tickets include a set of four tickets to the World Equestrian Games endurance event, and tickets to a three-day and two-night stay at the Hideaway Lodge at Terra Nova in Cedar Mountain. Tickets are available at the Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op.

Winners for the raffle will be drawn at the end of Friday night’s event.

In addition, Star and Huck, the miniature horses who are serving as mascots for the upcoming World Equestrian Games, will be in town. People may take pictures with the pair, who will likely be stationed near Morris the horse, Carpenter said.

#TREVORSTRONG bracelets to support Trevor Arrowood will also be available downtown Friday night, as well as other raffles and drawings, which will have items donated from people and businesses throughout the community.

For more information and opportunities to support Arrowood, people may visit facebook.com/trevorstrong.

For more information about Fourth Fridays, people may visit downtowntryon.org/4th-fridays or call the TDDA at 828-859-6484.

Fourth Fridays, which occur on the fourth friday of the month, will continue through September, and will start again in January.