Blessing of the Hounds

The Blessing of the Hounds attracts thousands on Thanksgiving morning to witness an equestrian -tradition.

Wearing official hunt attire, riders along with -hunting dogs gather in Hobby Field. Local clergy -provide the "blessing" for riders, animals and all -gathered. Then, the hunt master sounds the horn and the hunt begins.

Riders return exhilarated and ready to share Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.

The public is invited to watch this ceremonial kickoff of hunt season. The hunt starts at 10 a.m., but it's best to arrive early to find a good place to park, tailgate and socialize.

For the safety of the horses, riders and spectators, organizers ask that no dogs, balls or frisbees be brought to the event.

Hobby Field is at 3116 Youngs Road in Southern Pines. For more information, call (910) 692-6889.

Thanksgiving Tradition

The Sunrise Theater continues a 10-plus year -tradition of showing "The Last Waltz" on Thanksgiving evening at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and presented for free, "The Last Waltz" is a documentary of The Band's last concert performed on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. The free movie has become a beloved Sunrise tradition.

Creating Shots of Joy

Discover your power to make fresh family -connections at Christmas. Penick Village will host a family transformational workshop featuring speaker Veronica Karaman from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in its Grand Hall.

The free workshop will help empower you to redeem a lost or difficult relationship, especially at Christmas.

To register, call Penick Village at (910) 692-0300.

Christmas Lights Boat Tour

The eighth annual Spring Valley Lake Christmas Lights Boat Tour and Bake Sale is set for Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 5 and 6. Residents of Spring Valley Lake in Whispering Pines will once again decorate their docks and backyards with Christmas lights, which are best viewed from the lake via the boat tours.

Bring an unwrapped toy in exchange for a ride around the lake to view the lights. The toys will be -collected for Toys for Tots.

Reservations are required for the boat tours, which run from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 is the rain date. Boats will depart from the east side public access park at 68 Pine Ridge Drive.

Home-baked goods will also be available for purchase with funds going to charity.

For more information and to reserve your space, call (910) 949-3691. Reservations will be accepted beginning Friday, Nov. 23.

Family Fun Night

The Southern Pines library will be holding its annual holiday program from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, in its multi-purpose room.

Children of all ages and families are invited to come celebrate the season with stories, songs and ornament making.

For more information, visit www.sppl.net/Library/Kids.aspx.

Supper With Santa

Join the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department for Supper With Santa from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7. There will be plenty of fun for everyone, including holiday crafts and the reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Each child can visit with Santa and receive a treat.

Tickets are available for purchase through today, Wed., Nov. 21. There is a limited number available.

For more information, call (910) 944-PARK.

Early American Christmas

The Malcolm Blue Farm will host an Early American Christmas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The 1825 farmhouse will be decorated with greenery; -junior historians and friends will play and sing Christmas carols; and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call (910) 944-7558 or visit malcolmblue@windstream.net.

The Malcolm Blue Farm is located at 1177 Bethesda Road, Aberdeen.

'Sing, Show, Snow!'

The Arc of Moore County will be hosting a Christmas movie spectacular, "Sing, Show, Snow!", at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Sunrise Theater.

Bring the whole family to a showing of the movie "Elf," starring Will Ferrell, at the Sunrise Theater and enjoy singing holiday songs and fun activities after the movie, including snow. Admission by donation.

For more details, visit www.thearcofmoore.org.

Candy Cane Hunt

The town of Southern Pines will host a Candy Cane Hunt at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Memorial Park and the Southern Pines Recreation Center.

Activities will include cookie decorating, crafts, marshmallow roasting, photos with Santa Claus and, of course, the Candy Cane Hunt, complete with prizes.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Sue Gillis at (910) 692-2463.

Creative Christmas Table

The Moore County Extension and Community Association will present its eighth annual Creative Christmas Table, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Village Chapel, Chapel Hall, Pinehurst. Admission fee. Proceeds will go to local charities. Call (910) 947-3188 for more information.

MOAA Women

MOAA Women will hold their annual Christmas luncheon Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the Donald Ross Grill.

A social hour begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by -luncheon and a program at noon.

The inclusive cost is $18.75. Valet service is -available. Call Joetta Engle at (910) 692-9428 for reservations.

GodSent Angels Event

Homeless children will not be without warm clothes and toys this Christmas. Brenda Burt and her wingless angels are making sure of that.

Burt's all-volunteer operation, GodSent Angels Mission, is holding an event for the children Saturday, Dec. 22, from noon until 3 p.m., at Cannon Park.

"A Christmas to Remember" will include a children's Christmas program, carol singing, face-painting, -performances by dance and gymnastics troupes and much more. Santa Claus will also make an appearance to visit with the children, all of whom will receive a toy, clothes and a goodie bag.

Expecting as many as 2,500 children, both homeless and at-need, GodSent Angles Mission is still accepting donations of coats, warm clothes and toys to ensure every child leaves with a gift.

For more information about the event or to donate, visit www.GodSentAngels.blogspot. com or call (910) 603-4882.

Candlelight Vigil

The second annual Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless will be held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Downtown Park in Southern Pines.

Sponsored by St. Joseph of the Pines, the Candlelight Vigil brings awareness to National Homelessness Memorial Day to remember those who have died homeless and to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness on the longest night of the year.

Please bring a new or gently used blanket, coat, gloves/mittens, hat or scarf. Items will be distributed to those in need from the SJP semi during the winter months.