Daniel Prince
Event is in its 49th year overall, and 7th in Union County
The second big event in Union County in two weekends kicks off today, as the Southeastern Treeing Walker Association holds its 49th annual Southeastern Treeing Walker Days event at the fairgrounds. This is the 7th year the event has been held in Union County. Prior to that, it was held in Salisbury, NC. The event typically draws thousands to Union County.
Action really began last night with the 17th annual Allen Shoe Memorial Hunt, which featured two 60-minute, UKC licensed night hunts. The Treeing Walker Days events get going today and continue tomorrow. It will feature two UKC licensed night hunts, as well as bench shows both days for UKC registered dogs only. Advance entry cost was $40 per entry, and entries taken on the grounds will be $60 per entry each night, based on hunting guide availability. Cast winners will receive $40. There will be a drawing for $500 from all confirmed hunt entries on Friday and Saturday night. The final four will be featured in a one-hour hunt-off with a payout ranging from $100 for fourth place to $500 for first place. Organizers note that dogs don’t have to be Walker hounds to be in the final four, but they must hunt both nights to be eligible.
They note that Bench Show entries will be taken on the grounds. Entries close at 2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. Winners from Friday will be brought back on Saturday to show for the overall Southeastern Treeing Walker Association Show Champion. Entry fee for the bench show is $30. There will be a dual champion class both days and a pairs class after the Saturday show.
New this year to the event will be door prizes, which will be drawn for each day from 10-2 on the hour. A lot of vendors will be on hand for the event again this year. The Blood Connection will also be on hand Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds. There has been a nationwide blood shortage in recent months, and The Blood Connection is trying to boost the blood supply by getting donations at this event.
According to the group’s website, the Southeastern Treeing Walker Association brings together breeders, owners, and fanciers for the express purpose of advancing the Treeing Walker breed as a whole and to influence the breeding of a better and finer coonhound.