Today I talked with founding board members Mr. Donald Raynor, Mr. Reggie Edwards, and Mr. Gordon Webb(Gordy) concerning the upcoming Eastern NC Bench Show. They will all be there. We talked about everything from deer proof hounds to memories of landowners inviting you to go hunting on there land. They explained how so much had changed since 1972 when they formed the association. As our conversations went on it was still evident that they are still passionate about a real deal foxhound.

What memories do you have about the Eastern Bench Show?
In the 80's I remember JR House selling hats. Best hat salesman in the history of foxhunting, lol, if you stopped and talked with MR. JR, he would sell you a hat. I remember RA Keith and Pete Daughty were tough competition,they worked there hounds all year preparing for the eastern. I remember Tim Hardee(HotDog) and the Grimesland boys with them black blanketback Edwards Mr. Fred hounds and show casing new leather studded collars.

I did a ride around with Reggie Edwards yesterday afternoon to check out a few kennels and see what the locals were holding. You know Reggie use to keep up with all the happens in the dog world and once he saw a hound he remembered him, no matter if it was 10-days ago or 5-years ago, he could point him out anywhere in the country. Reggie talked about the Edwards Mr. Fred and Harris Major hounds he used to own and how they were small built hounds but would throw pups that could compete and win any bench show everywhere they went. He said he was really looking forward to the Eastern Bench show Saturday and wish he was able to show a hound, Reggie said "I could really make somebody pay attention, I ain't kidding, I could put some of these cats in a bind, they better be glad I am out of commission right now", you could tell ole Road Runner was getting excited..

Since 1972 the Eastern has been one of the most competitive field trails and bench shows in the country. I have received a lot of calls from folks buying memberships and folks making donations just to be a part of the history of Saturdays event.
We have received over a ton of dog food donations, GPS collar TT15,$50.00 Dunham's Sporting Good gift certificate, leash's, collars, feed bowls, hats, t-shirts, foxhunter license plates, framed antique foxhunting pictures over$500.00 value, and even boiled peanuts(lol) and much more...

There are a lot of good hunting organizations out there. I have witnessed the ENCFHA work the halls at the Capital in Raleigh NC and know that we work as hard as anyone to protect the fox and promote the running of hounds, inside and outside of the wire.

Roscoe I don't know who's idea it was to bring the Eastern bench show back but I am so glad they did. Y'all did an outstanding job and the good lord was shining down on us with the beautiful weather.
Taking about memories: seeing the battle for BIS brings back a few for me. Whether Cliff and Craig ever meant to teach anything over the years I have learned a lot by watch Cliff and talking with Craig. TC did a great job mastering and am truly blessed to be able to try and pass down to my youngest the art of trying to show a hound. Its an honor to find myself amongst some of the best of my lifetime. As much as it was to be around some of the best of your life time.
Looking forward to next year!!

Jerry, it was good to meet you especially being from Craven county and all, my old stomping grounds. We are so thankful for each and everyone who came and supported a good cause. It will definitely go down in history as being one of the more successful bench shows especially with all the old timers attending. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!