Hundreds of people turn out for Aiken Steeplechase Association's Oyster Roast

Nov. 21—The Aiken Steeplechase Association's new venue will be the home of the Aiken Spring and Fall steeplechases beginning next year.

In addition, the organization's leaders have said other events will be held there. They could include concerts, festivals and outdoor movie nights.

Already planned for 2022 is a Kentucky Derby Watch party.

During the Steeplechase Association's Oyster Roast on Friday night, hundreds of people had the opportunity to get a taste of the what's to come at 2020 Richland Ave. E.

They enjoyed shellfish prepared by JC's Seafood that were dumped from large shovels onto tables, and there was plenty of food from Duke's Bar-B-Que.

The band Bear & Friends performed under a big, white tent.

Blanchard Equipment offered hayrides.

In all, 450 tickets were sold, and there was big demand for more, according to Steeplechase Association President Paul Sauerborn.

"Everybody I've talked to tonight has been very positive," he said. "Stay tuned. We've got more good things coming."

Among the Oyster Roast's early arrivals was local author David Tavernier, who showed up around sundown.

The first phase of construction at the new venue is nearly finished, and he was impressed.

"Look at it. It's gorgeous," said Tavernier of the tri-oval racecourse. "How could you not be thrilled about this? There is going to be a great future here."

Also enthusiastic about the new venue was Tim Fash, who attended the Oyster Roast with his wife, Teresa. They were joined by three of their friends.

The Fashes are fans of the steeplechase races in Aiken.

Tim described their new home as "fantastic."

He believes it will be an improvement "trafficwise" over the Spring and Fall steeplechases' former location, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation's Bruce's Field.

"I think it probably will be easier to get to than the other location, by far, so that's a plus," he said.

"This place is huge," Tim added, and that makes him happy.

It means that there is a lot of room for on-site parking, he said.

Parking at Bruce's Field was limited.

Even though the weather for the Oyster Roast was chilly, Tim wasn't complaining.

"There's a full moon tonight, and it's nice and cold out," he said. "Why not eat oysters, drink beer and have a good time?"

Sarah Bridges, who rides with the Aiken Hounds, was having fun consuming shellfish with her friend, Barbara Warren, an eventing rider.

They paused briefly to take a selfie together.

"We both live in Aiken and we always try to support the steeplechase," Bridges said. "We're excited about the new venue here. The location is great. I think it's going to be a great thing for the community."

Bud Coward expressed a similar opinion.

His grandfather, Ira Ellis Coward Sr., oversaw the construction of the Aiken Training Track in the early 1940s and then managed the facility.

Bud Coward's father, Allan Coward, managed the Training Track after Ira Ellis Coward Sr.'s death.

"It's a wonderful venue," Bud said. "I'm glad that the board of directors (of the Steeplechase Association), the City of Aiken and all those involved were able to pull it off. A lot of thought went into the layout."

The Steeplechase Association asked Oyster Roast attendees to bring canned goods to donate to Golden Harvest, and many did so.

The Oyster Roast took place four days after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the the new venue.

Among the event's sponsors and others that played important roles in putting on the Oyster Roast — in addition to those previously mentioned — were Stella Artois (AB Beverage Co. of Aiken), AllStar Tents and Events, Aiken County Farm Supply, B&K Grading and Paving, Mr. Central, Fanning Plumbing & Electrical Services and Southern Ridge Excavation.

The list also included Mike Hosang of Carolina Real Estate Company, Mona Martin of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, TapTruck2State and the Kiwanis Club of Aiken.