A Busy October

Of all the months of the year, it always seems as though, in Aiken, October is the busiest month. There are always so many options for things to do, there is never enough time to take advantage of all the opportunities for activities in Aiken.

October is our favorite time of the year for Hitchcock Woods - there is no better place in Aiken, right in the center of town, to enjoy nature.

Earlier in the month, St. Mary's ushered in October with its 21st annual Chocolate Festival - a day for sampling all sorts of chocolate baked goods and desserts, activities for children of all ages, and a chance to spend what was a beautiful, early autumn day with friends on the tree shaded grounds of the church on York Street.

For so many people here in town that are polo enthusiasts, October brings high goal matches as part of 302 Polo's regular schedule. In addition to the weekly games at Whitney and Powderhouse fields, there is the opportunity to see players with higher handicaps play matches at New Bridge Polo Club and at Meadow Hill. October saw two exciting tournaments -- the Monty Waterbury and the Silver Cup. We in Aiken are lucky to play host to two such prestigious tournaments. Both were held at New Bridge and afforded all spectators non-stop action on the field.

This coming weekend brings the Fall Steeplechase over at Ford Conger Field. Not as high octane as the Spring Steeplechase, but a full day of events and races are on tap and will surely provide a great day at the races.

Downtown Aiken is busy in October with sidewalk sales, art festivals and the Flavors of Fall activities set for Saturday, the 25th. October wraps up with downtown's annual Halloween festivities on Newberry Street.

With holiday time fast approaching, there is no better time to remember to spread good cheer to those in need. This blog features various local charitable organizations that will welcome donations, goods and volunteers to help, not only around the holidays, but year round.

This year, instead of getting all the people on your lists gifts wrapped up in a box, why not consider giving some friends, family and colleagues the gift of sponsoring a horse at Equine Rescue. These wonderful horses can be "sponsored," for a month, or the entire year, providing food and care, through the excellent program available at Equine Rescue -- http://www.aikenequinerescue.com/Adopt_a_Horse.html. For further information, call 803-643-1850.

M.M.