Calendar of Events
Photo credit: Ginny Southworth
February 8
Hunt Week Gala
This fundraiser is a privately hosted cocktail party exclusively for subscribing members of all local hunt clubs.
March 26
Business Partner Appreciation Luncheon
Each year, the Foundation thanks and honors its generous Business Partners with a luncheon at the Friday kickoff of the Aiken Horse Show … under the tent!
Photo credit: Ginny Southworth
March 26, 27 & 28
Aiken Horse Show
The annual Aiken Horse Show is held at the legendary show ring in the Hitchcock Woods. Founded by Louise Hitchcock in 1916, the Aiken Horse Show is one of the most elegant and historic affairs in Aiken’s lively sporting calendar. This prestigious and popular event attracts equestrians in many disciplines and loyal spectators from the Southeast. For ticket and other information, visit http://www.aikenhorseshow.org.
April 22
Earth Day
Each year, the Hitchcock Woods Foundation participates in the City of Aiken’s public celebration and observation of Earth Day. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.aiken.net.
Photo credit: Ginny Southworth
September 24 and 25
Festival of the Woods
The Festival of the Woods is a new annual event to celebrate the wide range of pedestrian uses of the Hitchcock Woods, and to provide education on the history and resources of the Woods. Participants will learn about the Foundation’s management and stewardship programs and how to experience the Woods more thoroughly and responsibly. In its second year in 2010, the event will be expanded to two days, with a ticketed dinner event being held again on a Friday evening, followed by family activities for Friends of the Woods member households on Saturday.
Photo credit: Ginny Southworth
November 25
Blessing of the Hounds
The annual Blessing of the Hounds immediately precedes Aiken Hounds’ formal Opening Meet. The Blessing is held on Thanksgiving Day at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Gate in the Woods. This traditional ceremony and beloved tradition lasts about 30 minutes and the public is welcome. 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.