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Thousands endure heat to toast coon dogs

Classic cars were a highlight.

By Bill Moss, Published: July 7, 2012

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SALUDA — Thousands of people descended on Saluda today to celebrate the lowly coon dog, enjoy the parade and a lineup of bands and watch the famous barking hounds compete in the bench show, treeing and the annual night hunt. The annual Coon Dog Day filled Saluda's Main Street.

"I haven't had a chance to get a head count but it looks like a huge crowd," said Monica Pace, a town of Saluda administrative assistant. "It's certainly hot."

There were no problems, she said, except for the usual traffic and parking headaches. The event started early with a footrace. "We had 250 runners for our 5K," Pace said. "The results will be up later on our FaceBook page."

Entertainment continued Saturday afternoon and into the night with rock'n'roll, country, blues, bluegrass and clogging. The Lonesome Road Band was set to play for the Saturday Night Street Dance starting at 8 p.m. with square dance calling by Archie Hardy.