“High-class South Carolinians gather at the 2022 Carolina Cup”
CAMDEN, S.C. – With its 87th running taking place in 2022, the Carolina Cup has a long history in Camden, South Carolina. It has become an event for the wealthy to flaunt their success and for the average Joe to enjoy tailgating with drinks. In fact, the race itself is secondary to most people, merely serving as a backdrop for the other festivities.
Mullikin Law, a law firm in Camden, South Carolina owned by Tom Mullikin, was the largest sponsor for the 2022 Carolina Cup. Mullkin’s daughter, Alex Tomlinson, organized a private party in a VIP tent for friends and family, including important figures including South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and United States Representative Jim Clyburn. Though they come from different sides of the political spectrum, Clyburn and McMaster spoke of unity, setting aside their differences to enjoy having some drinks in the company of friends since that was the true focus of the day for many in attendance.
After the fifth heat, Historic Heart with jockey Parker Hendriks were the winners of the 87th Carolina Cup. Mullikin and Evette joined him in the winner’s circle alongside Toby Edwards, executive director of the Carolina Cup Racing Association as he handed Hendriks the trophy recognizing his victory. All in all, though the Carolina Cup has different cliques of different kinds of attendees, it serves as a place where all different kinds of people can come together with friends and family to celebrate the start of spring in Camden.
Jim Clyburn, U.S. House Representative (Dem), left, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (Rep.) address the crowd at a VIP party. The Cup is traditionally the first event in South Carolina's spring social calendar, and as such, one of the few events that can bring together political rivals. Photo by Aaron Falls.
Aaron Falls
I’m a junior visual communications major from Clover, South Carolina, with a growing passion for photography that began in high school when I bought a Canon 80D. Currently, I’m a photo editor for Garnet & Black Magazine, where I focus on portrait and studio photography but am also eager to explore photojournalism and horse racing. In addition to my digital work, I enjoy using my 35mm film SLR for personal projects. I utilize Adobe Creative Cloud for editing and enhancing my photos. www.aaronsfalls.com