Coon Dog Day

The very fun, quirky street festival in Saluda celebrates the loyal pet used for many years for hunting and known for its unique bark and an amazing sense of smell. The celebration held for 50+ years includes a parade, music, street fair with art and food, and dog judging. While many street festivals discourage dogs, this one loves them!

The festivities kick off early at 8 AM on Main Street with the 5K race through town. Folks bring chairs early to claim a shady spot for the 11 AM parade that features bagpipes, homemade floats, fire trucks, antique tractors, hillbilly cars, King and Queen, and plenty of coon dogs. It’s the highlight of the day, lasting about 30 minutes. The day ends with the street dance that wraps up at 11 PM. Admission is free.

Coon dogs are the stars of the entire day. The dog judging starts at 1 PM with the Bench Show for looks and style standing still. At 3 PM is the treeing contest with dogs chasing a fake raccoon. The winner has the most number of barks in 30 seconds. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun as long as they are leashed. Get your official Coon Dog Day t-shirt at the historic Thompsons Store.