If you hear scores of dogs howling in the distance, don't be alarmed -- the 42nd annual Grand American Hunt and Show is being held today through Sunday at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds.

Thursday kicks off with the ninth annual "COON FEST" featuring food, fun, entertainment and door prizes from 3-7 p.m. On Friday, barns will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and a treeing contest will be held at 1 p.m., followed by the drawing of casts for the hunt at 3:30 p.m.

The barns will reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday, with the opening ceremonies -- featuring Grand American president Donnie Infinger, Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce chairman Sherrill Newnam, Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller and Orangeburg County Council chairman Harry Wimberly -- set for 10 a.m.

A free kid's bench show will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday with the main bench show immediately following. A second treeing competition will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the drawing of casts for the Saturday night's hunt at 3:30 p.m.

Overall hunt awards and trophies will be presented Sunday morning at 5.

There is no admission charge to attend the Grand American Hunt, but there is a $2 per car parking fee at the fairgrounds.

The Grand American began in 1965 with a few local hunters and has evolved into a major event drawing at least 40,000 people to the region from across the United States. All ages converge at the fairgrounds to enjoy a weekend of hunting, buying and selling dogs, shopping for hunting gear and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with the weekend.

More than 300 hunters are expected to take place in the two-night hunt, an affiliate of the United Kennel Club. During the hunt, dogs earn points for their ability to locate and track raccoons, but the animals are not injured or killed.

The Grand American Hunt is a licensed Purina Points Event and is the first event of the season, with the overall first-place winner receiving $1,000 and valuable hunting related products.

42nd annual Grand American Hunt and Show schedule

Thursday, Jan. 4

10 a.m. Vendor gates open

3-7 p.m. Ninth annual "COON FEST" Event

"Big Tent" -- food, fun, entertainment and

door prizes -- free admission

Friday, Jan. 5

7 a.m.-7 p.m. Barns open

Breeders Showcase opens

Noon-2 p.m. Friday night hunt confirmation

1 p.m. Treeing contest

3:30 p.m. Prayer

Drawing out of casts

Handler must report to stake

Saturday, Jan. 6

3 a.m. Scorecards must be in the office

7 a.m. Barns open

Breeders Showcase opens

9 a.m. Presentation of trophies

Photographs

9-10 a.m. Entries for bench show taken

10 a.m. Opening Ceremonies featuring

Donnie Infinger, Sherrill Newnam,

Paul Miller and Harry Wimberly

11 a.m. Free kid's bench show (under 12 years old)

11 a.m. Bench show

Noon-3 p.m. Saturday night hunt confirmation

1 p.m. Treeing contest

3:30 p.m. Prayer

Drawing out of casts

Handler must report to stake

Sunday, Jan. 7

3 a.m. Scorecards must be in office

5 a.m. Presentation of trophies

Photographs

For more information, call the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce at 803-534-6821.

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