On Sunday, Nov. 27, the Carolina Horse Park will open its gates to some of the top show horses and riders in the region for the third annual Thanksgiving Classic.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to participate with ringside tailgate parking, a patron VIP luncheon under the big tent or to watch for free in general admission.

Five thousand dollars in prize money is at stake for the jumpers during the Mini Prix. Then carriage drivers will race to maneuver through tightly placed cones as their teammates - top local jumper riders - finish the relay aiming for both speed and a clean round in the Driving/Jumping Team Derby. Other highlights include the Celebrity Five Bar Competition with heights exceeding five feet and the $1,000 Child/Adult Jumper Classic, which will highlight some of the best up and coming riders.

"The Thanksgiving Classic is one of the favorite competitions of top riders in our community," says Harold Chopping, a local trainer, Grand Prix rider and former member of the Canadian Olympian Team, who owns Solo Show Stables, in Southern Pines. "This event is the last competition of the year for many trainers and is a really fun way to wind down the season. There is a great party atmosphere with the tailgating and the big tent luncheon."

"The Thanksgiving Classic is a great opportunity for our donors, friends, volunteers and competitors to enjoy the park for a fun day of festivities and watch great riding and carriage driving," says Dr. M. Nixon Ellis, chairman of the board of Carolina Horse Park. "The competitors love the beautiful Twin Gates Farm Derby Field with the crowd cheering everyone on. With a catered lunch, cocktail in hand, and incredible riders and drivers right in front of you, this event is the perfect way to finish out Thanksgiving weekend."

The Carolina Horse Park volunteers will also be honored in the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon and served by members of the CHP Board of Directors and Celebrity-Rider Bartenders.

"We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers," says Ellis. "We are thrilled to pay them some much-deserved attention at one of our most popular and fun events of the year."

For information and to purchase tickets, call the Carolina Horse Park at (910) 875-2074. Tickets for patron luncheon are $25, and tailgate spaces are $75. All reservations must be made by Nov. 21.

Visit www.carolinahorsepark.com for a complete event listing.