2023 60th Coon Dog Day - Saluda, N.C.

Coon Up A Tree float

July 8, 2023 marked the 60th Annual Saluda Coon Dog Day, and while many of the traditions have varied, it remains a small mountain town celebration of the ultimate hunting hound. The 5K Fun Run began the day at 8 a.m. by the Railroad tracks of the famous Saluda Grade in historic downtown Saluda. Vendors selling trinkets and representing hound rescue groups set up their tents in the early morning hours, because by the time the 11 a.m. Coon Dog Day parade rolls around, the street is crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite float and catch some candy. 

The parade route full of participants

The parade began with a patriotic color guard that was followed by the local Fire Department trucks. A large cadre of Hillbilly vintage cars came through next, and are one of the mainstays of this parade. There were no bagpipers this year, or campers from nearby summer camps, but the parade goes on. The home made floats with original ideas are dwindling some, but these can often be the highlight of the day. New for 2023 was the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile, and the many inspired volunteers that walked with it in food costumes. 

60th Annual T-Shirt

Some Coon Dog contests are runs during the day including a Bench Show and Treeing Contest, and a band plays a street party later that evening. A fairly steady rain storm that evening kept my crew from attending the dance, and I'm sure it had a diminished draw this year too, since there was NO square dance scheduled! But you can't please them all, and if this 60th edition was the final Coon Dog Day, everyone who attended will have fond memories to recall.

Redbone, Treeing Walker and Black & Tan Coon Hounds

For past blog entries from Coon Dog Day click 2022 -  2018 -  2016 - 2013 - 2012