Mark your calendars and find your fanciest hat! The 89th annual Carolina Cup Races held in Camden, South Carolina are coming up on March 30. For those who are new to this quintessential South Carolinian experience, the beloved social and sporting event is hosted by the Carolina Cup Racing Association, or CCRA, at the Springdale Race Course property situated in beautiful historic Camden.
Springdale Race Course opened in 1928 with visionaries Harry Kirkover and Ernest Woodward designing the track for steeplechase racing over timber fences, though they were later replaced by brush hurdles. Washington’s Birthday Races were Springdale’s first events; they were used to stress test the course before the Carolina Cup was inaugurated in 1930. The track and its adjacent properties were purchased by Mrs. Marion duPont Scott in 1953. Mrs. Scott was quite a force to be reckoned with, owning winning horses and stables herself since the 1930s. In fact, Mrs. Scott’s horse, Troublemaker, won the third Carolina Cup in 1932. Upon her passing in 1983, she gifted the Springdale Race Course to the state of South Carolina, and the CCRA continued management of the properties and events.
With about 50,000 visitors, managing the Carolina Cup is quite the undertaking for association members, yet they earn no personal profit from the races. All of the proceeds go to the Health Resource District of Kershaw County to provide additional health services for the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Kershaw County. Last year alone, approximately $30,000 from the Carolina Cup went to aid the citizens of Kershaw County in need.
Whether you are looking for a full-package experience or a more simple introduction to this treasured Southern tradition, varying ticket options are available on the Carolina Cup website. If you want to be as close as possible to the competitive action, the Carolina Cup is one of the few steeplechase races in the United States that features “Grandstand” seating so that attendants can truly feel a part of the excitement. But perhaps the main draw of the event is the in-field tailgating section with 1100 spots. It is a great space not only to enjoy the races and food, but to gather with friends for a full day of fun. There is even a Kids Zone, chock full of activities for children ages 12 and under. General Admission tickets alone give you access to a myriad of entertainment, food, and shopping options including entrance to Reserved Tailgating, the Paddock Shoppes, and Vendor Village.
The Paddock Shoppes have stylish, high-end attire for everyone, including classic and durable jackets and boots by Dubarry of Ireland and even a booth with fashionable hats for those who want to join in the tradition of donning chic headwear for the races. At Vendor Village, you will find a delightful array of classic Southern foods and thirst-quenching beverages. Additionally, there are two lunch tents, the Post and Paddock and The Turf. A General Admission ticket includes entrance to the Post and Paddock, but if you are looking for a more upscale dining experience and a perfect view of the races, a seat at The Turf can be reserved with the purchase of a Grandstand ticket.
Article by Rebecca Jenkins
Photos Courtesy of Tiffany Ellis