Super Saturday: 44 Years of Kids’ Fun at Tryon – The Tryon Daily Bulletin

Annual event returns this weekend

try it – The 44th annual Super Saturday will be held on March 18, 2023 in downtown Tryon and will feature the best of children’s theater and entertainment. World-class performances take place in indoor venues, and entertainment continues throughout the day on the street and community stages. The Noon Parade is a must-see event for kids of any age!

Super Saturday is produced annually by the Children’s Theater Festival, an all-volunteer organization in Tryon that aims to enrich the lives of children and their families by introducing, promoting and encouraging lively arts centered in Polk County and its surrounding communities.

“As a kid, I attended Super Saturdays and have had so many fond memories of witnessing the amazing performers over the years,” said current board chair Jessica Greve. “As a mother , I introduced Super Saturday to my kids and watched them experience live theater for the first time with joy in their eyes. I am honored to help continue a tradition that so many legends in our community started in 1979. Thank you to all sponsors, board members and community members who support this wonderful organization and continue to make today an amazing day.”

In 1978, a group gathered to discuss children’s theater and its possibilities: Joe Ray, Amy McKay, Lee Muller, Mary Ann Crowder, Sonny Grenfell, Gus Hoffman, Ann McCown, Franklin and Sadie McCaig, Jim Moore, Clara Rogers, Ed Ryerson, Jack Wheaton, Geoff and Alice Tennant, Ann Stubbs, Helen McBirney and Jane Dalton.

“There’s a lack of cultural events for kids in Polk County, there’s no programming just for kids, and we want to provide that opportunity not only for kids to act themselves, but to see really good plays,” said the late Joe Joe Wray, one of the event’s original founders, according to the festival’s website.

Super Saturday began on March 10, 1979, and has occurred every year since then, with the exception of 2020 (actually 2021).

“I learned about Super Saturday from all the capable people who came before me, but I think we all share a love for kids and this special day just for them, and I’m still in awe of all the people who made it happen all year ,” said former board chairman Amber Keeran. “It’s hard to explain to anyone who doesn’t know about it. No one will believe that such a great world-class entertainment is put on in this small town by a group of volunteers who love it.”

In the program for the first festival, general chairwoman Amy McKay wrote, “May the Children’s Theater Festival become one of our community’s finest traditions.” It certainly has, and each year, the Children’s Theater Festival continues this now rich tradition Tradition.

This year’s Super Saturday featured nine standout performers, including Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group The Secret Agency, theater productions from Charlotte Children’s Theater and Porkchop Productions, and Mountain Heritage storyteller Johnny Fowler. The shows will take place at five venues in and around downtown Tryon, and thanks to many generous sponsors, tickets to each show are affordable to local families at just $2. Free entertainment throughout the day along Melrose Avenue such as giant bubbles, balloon twisting, kirigami, comic artists, magicians, and crafts from local organizations.

For more information, visit tryonsupersaturday.com.

Current Children’s Theater Festival Board members from left to right: Brandy Quay, Sharol Ard, Lindsay Lewis, Jen Pace Dickenson, Caroline Rostick, Jessica Greve, Erin McNeill, Amy Allman, Stefanie Tyler and Holly Anne Horton. Not shown: Kelly Hanlon and Leigh Ann Highsmith.