TO RECOGNIZE THE AIKEN HORSE SHOW UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE ORGANIZERS FOR PROMOTING THE LOVE OF THIS SPLENDID SPORT AND RESPECT FOR ITS PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF THE PALMETTO STATE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are delighted to learn that the Aiken Horse Show will celebrate its centennial anniversary at the one hundredth Aiken Horse Show April 1-3, 2016; and

Whereas, since the early part of the twentieth century, the Aiken Horse Show has regaled admirers from across the United States and around the globe in a lush and vibrant natural setting that transports exhibitors and spectators into a more tranquil scene apart from the swirling industrial advancements and international occurrences that have impacted the world stage up to the second decade of the twenty-first century; and

Whereas, the tourism associated with historic horse events in Aiken and the equine industry, a vital part of the Aiken area economy, form a large portion of the local revenue; and

Whereas, originally established to raise funds to stock the new hospital in 1916, and later becoming the signature fundraiser of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, which supports the largest urban forest under private management in North America, the Aiken Horse Show is one of the oldest sporting events in South Carolina and has boasted many illustrious exhibitors throughout the last century; and

Whereas, Hitchcock Woods, a local and state treasure, is open to the public every day all year long and is free of charge. It includes seventy-two miles of trails and over twenty-one hundred acres, and the foundation endeavors to apply practices and standards that will ensure a healthy forest and a protected urban interface; and

Whereas, the Aiken Horse Show continues to bring residents and visitors together for a weekend of horse sports and Aiken traditions under the pine-topped cathedral of Hitchcock Woods; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to honor the heritage between Aiken and the show, a South Carolina treasure, upon the one hundredth anniversary of the show, and the members join with participants, guests, and well wishers to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize the Aiken Horse Show upon the occasion of its one hundredth anniversary and commend the organizers for promoting the love of this splendid sport and respect for its place in the history of the Palmetto State.