Coon Dog Day Saluda Streetscape - a photo on Flickriver

            Under a warm July sun, Saluda, North Carolina hosted its 62nd annual Coon Dog Day on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The festival, a staple in this small mountain town, drew thousands of visitors throughout the day and into the night. What began decades ago as a simple gathering organized by the Blue Ridge Coon Dog Association has grown into a full-day celebration of local culture, coonhounds, and Appalachian tradition—while still maintaining a strong community feel.

The day kicked off at 8 a.m. with a 5K run and a separate fun run, both of which were fundraisers for the local school. Runners gathered at McCreery Park and made their way down Main Street, passing through the heart of Saluda. Despite the rising heat, turnout was solid. The event was chip-timed and open to anyone, with many participants returning year after year more for the tradition than competition.

After the race, Main Street quickly filled up. Dozens of vendors lined the sidewalks, setting up tents under the shade of trees and awnings. Food trucks and booths served regional staples—barbecue, cornbread, fried snacks, sweet tea. Other vendors sold handmade goods, woodcrafts, soap, antiques, dog gear, and Coon Dog Day merchandise. The crowd moved steadily, stopping to browse or chat with friends and neighbors. Music played on speakers around the park and stage area, creating a low background hum that never really stopped.

By 11 a.m., the parade began. People lined both sides of Main Street early to get a good view, setting up chairs or standing behind temporary barricades. Leading the procession were fire trucks and emergency vehicles from local departments, followed by restored antique cars and tractors. Then came the homemade floats—some built by local businesses, others by clubs or longtime residents. The highlight for many was seeing the coonhounds walk through with their handlers. Black-and-tans, redbones, blueticks, walkers—all breeds were represented. The dogs wore bandanas, collars, or harnesses, and some even matched their owners’ outfits. For a town that honors these dogs year after year, this moment was a simple but meaningful nod to the breed's importance in the region’s hunting and working history.

Taken in: United States / North Carolina / Saluda Township / Saluda (show map)

Taken on: July 12, 2025

Tags:

AKC

Americana

Band

Bill McMannis

Black & White

Dog Show

Festival

Monochrome

Music

Saluda

Small Town

Stage

Storefront

Streetscape

black and white

USA « less

Sets appears in: • Featured On Explore • Black and White more » • Mountains • Ruins and Structures « less

Groups appears in: • B&W • Travel Photography more » • Asheville Photographers • Canon EOS M Series - Mirrorless • Canon EOS M Mirrorless Cameras • Canon EF-M Lenses • Canon EF-M Mount Lenses - Official Tag Required • Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM • in explore • WONDERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN GENERAL NO IA NO SECON LIVE.MARAVILLAS • Best black and white « less

Camera: Canon EOS M6, f/8.0, 1/640 sec, 11mm, ISO 320 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS M6
Lens:	EF-M11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/640)
Focal Length:	11mm
ISO:	320
Exposure Bias:	-1/3 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 14.4 (Windows)
Show full info

Stats: 6,402 views / 34 comments

go back

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: