Wednesday, July 11, 2018

2018 Saluda Coon Dog Day

Coon hound from Backwoods Rescue leads off the parade
The Lowcountry saw a record amount of rainfall in May, and the weather in Polk County, North Carolina has seen a similar pattern this summer. The annual celebration of coon dog hunting traditions in this small mountain town just off I-26 takes place around July 4th annually. A slight chance of rain on Saturday July 7 turned into a deluge that cleared all the visitors from the streets for several hours during the middle of the day. The morning parade and the evening square dance were spared from the damp weather, giving coon enthusiasts plenty of reasons to recall the 55th Coon Dog Day as one to remember.
Antique tractors are a fan favorite!
            
The morning of Coon Dog Day starts with a pancake breakfast fundraiser at 7 a.m. for the local Masonic lodge. At 8 a.m. the Coon Dog Day 5K Race gets underway, leaving from downtown and running up and down the hilly neighborhoods surrounding Saluda. The runners reported high humidity that morning despite a forecast for cooler temperatures, an observation that proved accurate when the skies opened up just a few hours later. The Coon Dog Day parade begins at 11 a.m. and is a friendly and fun event that welcomes plenty of families from nearby communities. 

The traditions of Saluda’s Coon Dog Day have already stood the test of time, raising awareness about the outdoors lifestyle, and providing a safe place for folks to gather. The street vendors may have seen a decrease in revenue in 2018 due to the rain, but the families and friends that retreated to the porches of Saluda to ride out the storm, will no doubt be strengthened by their time spent together in the mountains.
Coon Dog Day 5K racing is all uphill

To read the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Coon Dog Days click on 2016 - 2013 - 2012 

To view past blog entries from Saluda click on Arts Festival -  Nature Notes - Green River barbecue - Green River Games - Saluda Tailgate Market

To view past entries from the Grand American and Coon Fest click 2018 - 20172016 - 2015- 2014 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010


Elvis impersonator singing despite the rain!!

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