ISSUE: The Grand American Hunt and Show

OUR VIEW: Decision to hold hunt here continues to be win-win scenario

"Welcome, Grand American!'' -- for the 44th year.

It's been more than four decades since a group of local coon-hunting enthusiasts joined forces with others from around the region and the country to make Orangeburg the home for a wintertime field trials for coon dogs. The veterans tell the story of real skepticism about the event.

Not so now, with the Orangeburg-based Grand American Hunt and Show having become the largest field trials for raccoon hounds in the United States. The event draws more than 30,000 people each January to Orangeburg. Its direct economic impact has been estimated as high as $6.5 million.

That's a far cry from that first year, when some hunters had to withdraw to serve as judges. And Orangeburg is proud to continue serving as host for the benefit, ranked among the top 20 tourist events in the Southeast.

South Carolina has been a hub of dog-trialing since the early 1900s when professional trainers from across the country recognized the state as ideal for wintertime dog training. The Grand American, which is the first United Kennel Club-licensed event of the year, is the granddaddy of hunts.

Dog breeders bring along their very best to tempt everyone -- hunters in search of a hunting dog or individuals in search of a pet.

Hunters bring their prize-winning coon dogs to compete with hopes of winning the coveted title of Grand Champion. Points are earned by dogs for their ability to locate and track the animal, but the raccoons are not injured or killed.

The event also features a bench show and various other contests. In the bench show, dogs are classed by age and judged by sex, breed, conformation, color and stance. It's an event that has grown individually into a popular one on its own merit.

Donnie Infinger, longtime leader in the Grand American Coon Hunters Association, has written previously of the coon hunters' affection for making the trip to Orangeburg each January. And he has commended local officials for their support -- as well as The Times and Democrat for what he describes as the most extensive local coverage of any such hunt in the country.

Other communities certainly would welcome the Grand American with open arms, but Orangeburg is a home the hunters find to their liking. Consider that a reason for choosing this locality years ago was to have warmer weather for a hunt held in early January. One has only to check out weather forecasts elsewhere to know the wisdom of the decision and see yet another reason why this is a popular location.

According to the American Kennel Club, "History and tradition have molded the lives of the people of Orangeburg County -- creating residents who take pleasure in greeting everyone they meet with a smile and a warm hello. Their support of the Grand American is a testament to their hospitality."

We speak for our community in hoping we remain a deserving host. The Grand American is a big-time event. Welcome!

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