Artists draws applause at Grand American
1/13/2006 10:12:11 AM
The 41st Annual Grand American Coon Hunt found Caroline, Lyndell, Jimmy and me in the AKC booth for both big days. The Grand American has drawn record crowds throughout its four-decade run at the Orangeburg fairgrounds. This year was no exception.
We had a terrific weekend with several hundred registrations taken in the special “free” weekend. Folks from Florida to Maine, from New York to Minnesota and all points in between came by to say hello and to talk about the AKC programs. Hundreds of friends came by to tell us they appreciated us being there and wished us well with the new AKC coonhound program. We really appreciate that.
We were so swamped both days that we didn’t take the usual tour of the dog barns and the outdoor vendors. We were pretty much confined to the vendor’s barn both days.
One of the highlights of our trip to Orangeburg is the opportunity to visit with Rev. Anthony Hughes, pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. Anthony and his congregation hold the annual Coon Fest, feeding and ministering to some 400 coon hunters on Thursday afternoon before the official kickoff of the Grand American. Then, on Friday evening, the vendors that participate in the church’s outreach are guests of the church at the special “thank you” dinner at the church fellowship hall. The result is a relaxing evening of delicious food and fellowship away from the crowded fairgrounds. It’s great therapy and this year we had a very special and unexpected treat.
Following a delicious meal of grilled steaks and all the trimmings served by the church,our group adjourned to the sanctuary to enjoy the chalk artistry of Dan Gardner, a South Carolina artist.
Here is the drawing South Carolina artist Dan Gardner created as we watched:
As the lights were dimmed,
the following image emerged from the
canvas to the applause of the crowd.
Each visitor was given a number and a drawing was held with the winner receiving the beautiful chalk drawing.
What a great finish to a truly enjoyable evening at the Grand American. Readers wanting to see more of Dan Gardner's work or to contact him about visiting a church, outdoor-related function or similar activity may visit his web site at www.drawingpeopletoJesus.com
The New Hope Baptist Church outreach to coon hunters is an important part of the Grand American program each year. Hunters are fed both physically and spiritually by the church members beginning with the annual Coon Fest on Thursday afternoon at the fairgrounds.
For more information or to participate in this outreach see the church's website at: www.newhopeoburg.com
Thanks to all that came by and visited with us at the 41st Grand American. We hope to see you next year!
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