{"id":219,"date":"2023-07-07T13:28:07","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T13:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hendolife.com\/blog\/?p=219"},"modified":"2023-07-07T13:28:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T13:28:07","slug":"60th-annual-coon-dog-day-festival-in-saluda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hendolife.com\/blog\/60th-annual-coon-dog-day-festival-in-saluda\/","title":{"rendered":"60th Annual Coon Dog Day Festival In Saluda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You can thank your local hunter for the beginning of Saluda’s Coon Dog Day Festival! Just a short drive from Hendersonville is the quaint country town of Saluda, known for its historic Main Street, great biking, kayaking, tubing, and more. Every summer residents look forward to the Annual Coon Dog Day Festival. But did you know it all began because of the low numbers of racoons in the woods?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Ridge Coon Club, which was later renamed to the Blue Ridge Coon Dog Association, sought to replenish the low numbers of racoons in the area. A native to Saluda, George Johnson created this association in 1949, but it didn’t really take off in popularity with a parade until 1963. Before that, the association would hold fundraising barbecues each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Cred: HistoricSaluda.org<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now the event has grown and attracts 15,000 visitors each year from all over Western North Carolina. While the coon dogs are the main attraction at the festival, there is so much more to do, especially for kids. Vendors open along Main Street, along with the public parking lots, as early as 9am<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is the schedule of events happening on Saturday, July 8th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coon Dog Day 5K Race<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual Coon Dog Day Festival 5K Race (with no winners and losers) begins at 9am<\/strong>, but you’ll want to arrive between 8 and 9. This is a fundraiser for Saluda Elementary. If you’re interested in running, pick up your entry packet on Friday between 4-7pm at the Saluda Visitor’s Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coon Dog Day Parade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 60th Annual Coon Dog Day Parade kicks off at 11am<\/strong> so you’ll want to be there early with your chairs to set up along Main Street. The parade consists of firetrucks, classic cars, bagpipe players, homemade floats, local organizations, and of course, coon dogs. There’s no admission fee to watch the parade and it usually wraps up in about 30 to 45 minutes. Spend the rest of the time there enjoying local food, face-painting, checking out the local shops, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plenty of coon hounds in the parade!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coon Hound Dog Show<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proud Coon Hound dog owners love to show off their pups at the AKC Registered Coon Hound Dog Show at the McCreery Park Pavilion. The show grades the Coon Dogs on their looks (they’re all cute!) and their ability to hunt. Attendees get to have fun watching the Coon Hounds showcase their abilities. This event begins at 2:30pm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evening Music<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the Coon Dog Festival, there is always a performance on the music stage. This is a fun evening to come and enjoy with many local residents. This year’s music starts at 7pm<\/strong> and will run until 9pm. The performers this year are The Stipe Brothers and Dan Ruiz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kids enjoying the rides at a previous Coon Dog Day Festival.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other Notable Things To Do Surrounding The 2023 Saluda Coon Dog Day Festival:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n