60th running of Elloree Trials Saturday

General admission opens at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 each, cash only at the gate. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under.

General admission parking is free.

“I’m going to guess this will be our biggest year ever!” said Elloree Palmetto Jockey Club Vice President Marykay Ulmer Martin.

“We’ve already sold out twice,” she said, referring to reserved tailgate and parking spaces.

“We sold out of everything in the middle of February. We added 30 more spots and sold out of those,” she said.

Those who would like to have reserved parking may be placed on a waiting list.

The event has drawn up to 5,000 attendees in the past and is held just off of Race Track Road outside of Elloree.

Proceeds from the event go directly to local charities, which benefit the community.

“Come out for a full day of family, friendly fun, tailgating and horseracing,” Martin said.

The event will take place rain or shine.

Martin said between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., several activities will get underway, including:

* The crowing of Miss Elloree Trials

* The singing of the National Anthem by S.C. Secretary of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

* Releasing doves

* Remarks by Elloree Mayor Mike Fanning

* Soloist Joe Gonzalez will sing “Proud to be an American”

* Judging of the hat contest

* Judging of the tailgate contest

* Jumps by the Special Forces Association Parachute Team

Horse races will start at 1 p.m.

The Grand Strand British Car Club will have vehicles on display for the public.

Martin said there will be food vendors and merchandise booths set up.

In addition, children ages 12 and under may get their faces painted at no cost.

The following items are not permitted:

* Firearms

* Pop-up tents or umbrellas

* Illegal drugs

* Golf carts, ATVs or any kind of utility vehicle

* Campers, RVs or large vehicles in reserved parking areas

Key sponsors for the event include the Medical University of South Carolina, TriCoLink, and Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

The tailgate contest is sponsored by Clarks Inn & Restaurant in Santee, and Cedar House Spa is sponsoring the hat contest.

Winners of the two contests will be announced after the second race.

Sponsors of other activities at the event include Jimmy Jones Polaris and Santee Cooper Country.

The Elloree Palmetto Jockey Club thanks the Town of Santee and Orangeburg County for their support.

For more information about The Elloree Trials, visit: www.elloreetrials.com