AIKEN - As the president of Dogwood Stable, Cot Campbell threw a black-tie party last month to celebrate a successful year of horse racing.
One of the stable's top thoroughbreds, Limehouse, finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, and several other horses had a good money year.
The stable, which allows investors to buy shares in its horses, invited stakeholders to the historic Green Boundary Club on Whiskey Road.
"We just celebrated for the hell of it," Mr. Campbell said. "Things were good, and we wanted to have a party."
Though black-tie parties aren't the norm, it's well-known that members of Aiken's horse community know how to throw a good shindig. That reputation is built on more than a hundred years of practice.
That is never more on display than during the city's Triple Crown. The events offer three weekends of fun.
"If you're in the horse business, this is the greatest time in the world to ply your trade because of the spirit involved," Mr. Campbell said.
The equestrian veteran, who's been in Aiken since the early 1970s, has his own theory to explain the correlation between horse lovers and high times.
"People that are interested in horses are gregarious, sporting, fun-loving types," he said. "They're people who are having fun with a real zest for life."
Of course, not everyone parties the same.
Last year's steeplechase gala, for example, held on the eve of the event, was a dressy affair, marked by ice sculptures, fine dining and live music. It also featured high bidding on fiberglass horses that were sold to benefit Aiken's arts community.
The artfully designed replicas sold for more than $20,000 each.
That same night, a city-sponsored street fair in downtown Aiken was thrown to celebrate the next day's horse race. In comparison, it was a mom-and-pop event that showcased inflatable slides for children, inexpensive fried food and an overall casual atmosphere.
Not everybody does it the same on the day of the event, either. All three events feature an across-the-board approach to partying. Some pull out the shiny silverware and champagne flutes. Others prefer disposable plastic utensils and their beverage of choice in a can or bottle. Either way, those who are serious take time to prepare.
Horse lovers Jack Wetzel and Bruce Duchossois have built a reputation for throwing an all-out extravaganza after the steeplechase, which is run at the Ford Conger Field they own.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have attended the afterparty in years past at their Powder House Road home. The event has gone off for more than 10 years, though they're not throwing the party this year because they'll both be out of town, Mr. Wetzel said.
It takes about a month to prepare the event, which has included wet bars, catered food and music.
"It's always been a real congenial time," Mr. Wetzel said. "A lovely way to end the steeplechase weekend."
There's at least one place where horse enthusiasts of all backgrounds seem to come together. The Westside Bowery restaurant and bar in downtown Aiken is decorated with horse memorabilia and serves as a gathering place on big race days.
A drink called the Limehouse was coined in honor of the Aiken steed who ran in the Kentucky Derby last year.
"We owe our whole business to the horse industry," said Sam Erb, who owns the restaurant. "It's what Aiken's all about. It's what makes Aiken Aiken."
Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113, or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.
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