45th Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival

Have a Big Time in a Small Town: The 45th Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival

When it comes to harvest-time fun and small-town charm, few events rival the Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down. Slated for Saturday, September 20, 2025, this beloved festival celebrates its 45th annual edition in Aynor, South Carolina, and promises a day brimming with tradition, food, music, and family-friendly festivities.

A Festival You Don’t Want to Miss

Held at Aynor Town Park (600 South Main Street, Aynor, SC 29511), the Hoe-Down runs from 10:00 AM to around 5:00 PM and draws attendees from across the Carolinas.

Highlights of the Day:

• Parade at 10:00 AM: Kick off the celebration with a colorful parade featuring the Grand Marshal, marching bands, mascots, ROTC units, antique tractors and cars, and plenty of candy to sweeten the streets.

• Festival Fun (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM) After the parade, the park comes alive with:

  • • Musical entertainment under the shelter, featuring performances by Aynor High Band and Chorus, pageant winners, local elementary and middle school groups, Conway Idol winners, gospel ensembles, and other local artists.

    • Hundreds of food vendors, offering festival favorites like chicken bog, BBQ, boiled peanuts, funnel cakes, tacos, smoothies, Chick-fil-A, Little Caesar’s pizza, and more.

    • Arts & crafts booths, showcasing over 100–190 vendor stalls, with handmade goods ranging from jewelry and wreaths to boutique clothing, epoxy woodwork, soaps, decorative signs, and more.

    • Children’s activities, including pony rides, a moonwalk, slides, face-painting, and inflatables—making the event truly family-friendly.

• Admission: Free! That’s right—this joy-filled day comes at no cost, allowing families to enjoy every activity without worrying about entry fees.

• Big Turnout. This festival packs a punch despite its small-town setting—drawing up to 24,000–25,000 visitors from near and far.

• A Time-Honored Tradition. Organized by the Pilot Club of Aynor, Inc., the Hoe-Down has become one of the oldest and most beloved festivals in the Carolinas, steadfastly held every third Saturday in September.

Why You’ll Love It

There’s something truly magical about filling a quaint, tree-lined town with music, artisan crafts, carnival food, and community spirit. Whether you’re browsing unique souvenirs, tapping your toes to live music, or watching children’s laughter as they enjoy pony rides, the Hoe-Down delivers a timeless experience you won’t soon forget.

Pro Tips for Attending

• Beat the heat—September can still be warm, so bring sunscreen, water, and perhaps a light hat or umbrella for shade.

• Come hungry—with so much delicious fare on offer, save room for South Carolina favorites and new treats alike.

• Bring your camera (or phone)—from the parade and performances to the crafts and festive decor, there’s plenty of memorable visuals.

Snapshot: Event at a Glance

This event embodies the joy of community, creativity, and autumnal tradition in the heart of South Carolina. Let me know if you’d like help adding photos, visuals, or planning tips—or even a follow-up post leading up to the festival!