by Linda Scrivner

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Members of the North Carolina Walking Horse Association (NCWHA) gathered for their annual awards banquet on Jan. 17 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, N.C. Around 300 were in attendance to honor last year’s champions.

The night’s festivities started with cocktail hour at 5 p.m. Everyone caught up on the winter news, including the two-year-olds and new horses, as they visited with old and new friends. The dinner began with a welcome from NCWHA President Tom Kincaid, followed by the invocation. There was a silent auction and calendar covers were auctioned off during a break halfway through the awards.

Tom Kincaid then recognized the 2008 board members and introduced the 2009 board members. Sandra Hall was the official photographer and she gave out three $50 gift certificates that were drawn from the 50/50 drawing at the end of the banquet. Tommy Blackwell’s name was drawn as the winner.

The many Celebration champions and reserve champions from the NCWHA members were announced and given awards. At the awards banquet the TIP payout was also given out to the trainers.

At the end of the banquet, Tom Kincaid thanked everyone for all their hard work. Kincaid announced that the Sneak Preview is scheduled for March 14 at Chad Baucom Stables. Joe Manis presented Tom Kincaid a gift for his hard work as president for the past two years.

The night was then finished with music and dancing.