CAMDEN, S.C. — It was a beautiful sunny day in Camden for the 89th Carolina Cup on Saturday.
Executive Director Toby Edwards said the races drew thousands to the Midlands for race day.
"We're going to be up near 40,000. So just a huge crowd," Edwards said. "It's wonderful to see so many families, the diversity of the crowd."
Plenty of families enjoyed the weather and more. Joe Mac Bates said his family has been going to race since it was created.
"My dad missed one Carolina Cup before he died, from the time it started," he said. "We've maintained the same parking pass since. From 12 years old to now, I believe this is my 63rd year. We know all the people on either side of us, and going on the infield and looking at the crowd. It's just comradery and seeing the horses."
Alfred Mae Drakeford, the mayor of Camden, said the Carolina Cup is the biggest event in the county.
"Well, it means we have heads in beds, butts in seats," she said. "Our restaurants are full. Our hotels are full. Plus, they're spending money in and around the city of Camden, so it's very, very beneficial to the city and the county."
Louis Clyburn's family felt the impact. He said his uncle won the cup in 1942. They keep bringing younger generations to the track every year.
"A little piece of it is you get to see people you only get to see year-round and when they have the Colonial Cup," he said. "You see old classmates, old friends. It's a social event for sure."
And, of course, what would a horse race be without fashion? Destiny Tyjae and her family have been going to the cup for five years and brought their RV and best dresses.
"I love seeing everyone's looks. I feel like everyone always sticks to the code so it's really nice to see," she says.
For folks who want to see more horse races, the Colonial Cup will be held there in November.