| Upcoming Event |
| Event Name: | Closed to the Public: Blessing of the Hounds |
| Event Occurs: | Once |
| Event Description: | *Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late September, the annual Blessing of the Hounds event will be closed to the public. Hitchcock Woods is closed until further notice.* The annual Blessing of the Hounds is a must see for residents and visitors alike. Aiken Hounds is distinguished as having the oldest drag hunt in the nation. In a drag hunt, cloth saturated with fox scent is dragged across the terrain to create a trail for the hounds to follow. Mounted riders follow the pack. A local clergyman officiates the event each year. The ceremony pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, to the heritage of Aiken's historic hunt culture, and to the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging. There is no parking at the South Boundary entrance but attendees may park downtown. One should allow 30 minutes to walk from Laurens Street to Memorial Gate. No motorized vehicles or dogs are permitted in the Woods for this event. There is no charge. |
| Event Class: | Equestrian |
| Contact Person or Organization: | Aiken Hounds |
| Website Address: | www.theaikenhounds.com |
| Contact Email: | lchickey63@gmail.com |
| Start Date/Time: | 11/28/2024 9:00 AM |
| End Date/Time: | 11/28/2024 |
| Directions: | Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods South Boundary Entrance Aiken, SC 29801 |
