“Every Thanksgiving morning, a unique and time-honored tradition unfolds in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The Moore County Hounds invite the public to attend their opening meet for the annual Blessing of the Hounds. This ritual, dating back to the Middle Ages, marks the formal launch of the foxhunting season and gathers hounds, riders, and over 1,000 spectators in a celebration of heritage, sport, and community.”

A beloved event and cherished tradition of over 100 years in Southern Pines and the surrounding area, The Blessing of the Hounds takes place on Thursday, November 28th. Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by joining in-person for the Blessing of the Hounds and Opening Meet. Hosted by the non-profit Preserve the Sandhills, it is such a fun way to start the holiday season. The Blessing will promptly commence at 10:00am, so plan to allocate at least an hour for parking and walking from Lyell’s Meadow to Buchan Field.

If you prefer a front tailgate spot, reach out to Moore County Hounds for more details. Please remember that dogs and pets are not allowed. Moore County Hounds, one of North Carolina’s oldest recognized packs of foxhounds and one of the last remaining private packs, welcomes you to this exclusive gathering with a limited number of VIP tailgating spots available. For full details and schedule of events, follow the event website link provided below.