News

City OKs street party for Equestrian Games fans

By Bill Moss, Published: August 2, 2018

The Hendersonville City Council on Thursday blessed a big Saturday night party that organizers hope will attract tourists from the World Equestrian Games in Mill Spring.

That leaves one more stop for Darlene Das, who is spearheading the Sept. 15 End of Summer Music on Main party. Her request for permission for a fireworks show launching from Jackson Park and visible on Main Street comes before the Henderson County Board of Commissioners on Monday night. The city's Downtown Advisory Committee and Special Events Committee recommended approval of the event, on South Main Street between Allen and Barnwell streets.
The council approved the party, which will feature the Swinging Medallions, a popular beach music and oldies band from Greenwood, S.C., an opening band and — if the county says yes — the fireworks show.
Later, Kathryn McMahon, of the Tryon Equestrian Center, told the council about the big horse sport event opening in 40 days.
The Asheville-Hendersonville area, Charlotte and Greenville, S.C., will benefit from the spinoff from the World Equestrian Games.
“We expect to feel a huge economic impact in that hour and a half radius,” McMahon said.
The games are the largest sporting event in 2018 in the U.S. and the fourth largest in world this year. Known as the equestrian Olympics, the event happens once every four years in cities worldwide. This is only the second time it’s been in the U.S., after Lexington, Kentucky, hosted in 2010. Organizers expect a half million spectators — 15,000 to 16,000 a day — over 13 days of competition in eight disciplines at 12 arenas on 1,600 acres.
There’s still a need for homes or rooms in homes for visitors to rent Sept. 11-23, McMahon said. The event is still looking for a thousand more volunteers. Volunteers get free parking, a uniform, one free meal during their shift and general admission seating when available. To find out more, visit tryon2018.com.