Mill Spring, NC – May 2, 2018 – Tryon Resort’s signature “Saturday Night Lights” (SNL) events return to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) on Saturday, May 5, featuring free admission, kids and family entertainment, pony rides and carousel rides, and Grand Prix competition. A Cinco De Mayo celebration will also be held following the Grand Prix competition. Concessions, live music, and entertainment begin at 5:00 p.m., all restaurants will be open for dinner, and Miss Shelby’s Jaleigh Clark will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos before performing the National Anthem. Competition will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will feature the $70,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2* in Tryon Stadium.
The $70,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2* competition is the highlight class of the TIEC Spring 1 competition week, and the running of the Kentucky Derby will be celebrated all night, beginning with a live screening of the hallowed race on the Jumbotron in Tryon Stadium, and TIEC’s annual hat contest at 6:00 p.m.

The Kentucky Derby Hat Contest includes both adult and children’s categories and awards will be presented for Most Creative, Most Glamorous, and Best Kentucky Derby Theme for each. The contest will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. in front of the Announcer’s Tower at Vendor Row.

The National Anthem will be performed by Jaleigh Clark, the current Miss Shelby from Lincolnton, North Carolina. She will be studying nursing at Gardner Webb University beginning in the fall of 2018 and her platform is Type1derful, advocating and education of Type 1 Diabetes. Jaleigh was diagnosed during her junior year of high school as a Type 1 Diabetic, thus inspiring her passion for nursing. She has been a finalist on the TV Show “X Factor,” has sang at Disney World, and modeled all over the United States. She is thrilled to be representing the area as Miss Shelby in June when she competes for the title of Miss North Carolina.

Clark will be available in Legends Plaza for photos and an autograph signing beginning at 5:30 p.m. prior to her performance of the National Anthem. Make sure to peruse Vendor Row throughout the evening and meet all our new and returning vendors for 2018.

As always, there will be live music on hand to keep the crowd entertained, and the opening week will be headlined by local favorite, Crocodile Smile. Following the close of competition, head to the Silo Bar for a Cinco De Mayo celebration and Karaoke after-party.

“Saturday Night Lights” continues every Saturday night through the end of July, resuming again in October during the popular Tryon Fall Series.

Click here for more information about “Saturday Night Lights.”

For Media Inquiries, please contact media@tryon.com or call 828-863-1178.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center
Tryon International Equestrian Center at Tryon Resort, host of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, is one of the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destinations. From carousel to competition, the mission of Tryon Resort is to celebrate the magic of the horse, grow equestrian sport, and increase access to this majestic animal. With first-class facilities for hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing competitions, the facility will soon accommodate all eight equestrian disciplines. Tryon Resort is a spring, summer and fall haven for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts, and a year-round destination for connoisseurs of diverse cuisine and shopping, lodging getaways, and family entertainment. Learn more at www.Tryon.com.