Mia Miller's time as the event coordinator for the Aiken Steeplechase Association is coming to an end.
Saturday's 49th edition of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase at the Aiken Horse Park probably will be the last day of racing locally that she oversees.
"I have always loved this job," said Miller, choking up a bit and shedding a few tears as she talked. "I cherish very much the people I work with and our patrons."
This summer, Miller plans to move to the Charlotte area in North Carolina, where her husband, Cache, works.
"He's been there since last March, while I've remained here with our two daughters (Pippa, 8, and Julia, 3)," Miller said. "Someone has been lined up to take my place at the Steeplechase Association, and I'll be playing a part in transitioning her into my role over the next year."
The Spring Steeplechase is the Steeplechase Association's premier event, attracting more than 30,000 people when the weather is good. There also is an Aiken Fall Steeplechase in October.
"I do everything under the sun," said Miller, who has been with the Steeplechase Association since 1997. "I am part of a machine made up of myself and the Office Committee that deals with ticket sales, advertising, merchandising, sponsorships, organizing volunteers, tent rentals and catering."
Miller has to make sure that divorced husbands and wives aren't seated close together at Steeplechase Association social events, and she also receives requests from trainers about the stall assignments for their horses.
"I love to organize things, so that part has been fun; and I also enjoy the creative process of coming up with party themes," Miller said. "I like to think I work well under pressure, but orchestrating all the details can be a little bit daunting; and trying to keep everybody happy without losing your cool can be challenging. Still, I can honestly say that there isn't much I don't like about doing this.
"The (Steeplechase Association) board members have always been wonderful about supporting me," she added. "I feel like we are all a family."
After Miller leaves Aiken, she hopes to return regularly to attend Spring and Fall steeplechases. She also would like to continue to be actively involved in Steeplechase Association efforts in some way.
"I'll always do whatever they want me to do," Mills said. "If they want me to come back and volunteer, I will."
Albert Bostwick, the Steeplechase Association's president, described Miller as a close, personal friend and an outstanding employee.
"She has been wonderful beyond belief," he said. "To say she will be missed is an understatement." Georgianna "Girl" Conger-Wolcott, the Steeplechase Association's secretary, also praised Miller.
"She is definitely part of our family, and she has been an amazing person to work with," Conger-Wolcott said. "She has been instrumental in organizing our race meets and in helping us move them up to the status that they have today."
Gates for Saturday's Steeplechase will open at 9:30 a.m., and post time for the first race is 1 p.m.
Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $35 at the gate. Admission is free for children 10 years of age and younger.
Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard.