Melrose Avenue Activities

The shows are fabulous, and equally fun are all the goings-on on Melrose Avenue! You can stop by during lunch or throughout the day. ​The Melrose Avenue parade and entertainment are supported by the Mary F. Kessler Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation and are free for all to attend.

Every year, our performers on Melrose carry the Super Saturday magic into the street so the fun never stops!

Performers on Melrose

  • The Colorful Hat Circus - circus entertainment (magic, juggling, plate spinning, stilt walking, etc.)

  • JD Sutton - Thomas Jefferson impersonator

  • Mark Devenger - balloon twister

  • Mr. Cheng - paper cutting artist

  • Jerry Frazee and Kim Allman - caricature artists

Local Tables

Local businesses and organizations set up booths with fun activities and giveaways. In 2026, we had a blast with facepainting, art projects, and baby goats!

  • Steps to Hope

  • 4H

  • BBBS of WNC

  • Polk County Public Libraries

  • Foothills Humane Society

  • Saluda Historic Depot

  • Adventure School

  • Conserving Carolinas

  • PCHS Art Club

  • ​Advent Health

Our local talent graces the community stage at the amphitheater outside Tryon Fine Arts Center with music and dancing, no tickets required!

Community Stage

  • Dance Dynamics: 11-11:40am

  • PacJAM: 12:15-1:15pm 

Parade

Our annual parade is open to the public and invites you to join in on the fun!

Join our performers in strutting your stuff down Melrose Avenue!
Gather in front of the Congregational Church at 12:15. The parade to TFAC begins at 12:30.
2026's parade theme is "Happy 250th Birthday, America!"

Local groups offer a variety of eating choices to keep you going! Found in the parking lot next to the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Food vendors are paid directly by attendees.

Food Court

  • Kiwanis of Tryon - Grilled Cheese

  • PCHS Boys Soccer - Pizza and Donuts

  • Boy Scouts - Hamburgers and Hotdogs 

  • Girl Scouts - Girl Scout Cookies