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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 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 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015- 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010
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| Elvis impersonator singing despite the rain!! |
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