CONGRATULATIONS once again to owner Ginger Leeuwenburg and NEW CHAMPION Graafin Kub Kadet (by SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief x SBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kapri at Graafin), co-bred by Ginger and Kamgaard.  "Kubbie" completed the requirements for his Championship title today at the Worcester County Kennel Club under Mr. Howard Yost with Arabella Birkenbilt on the end of the lead--her first Champion!

In this week of Thanksgiving, we are getting caught up on many things and note there hasn't been an entry into the News tab for a month now.  Not because there hasn't been news, but just FAST water running over the old proverbial dam...

Starting with belated HUGE congratulations to English/Irish Ch. Kestos I Spy at Graythor, JW SHCM who has recently broken the all-time breed CC record in England which has stood for many, many years.  Our best wishes to the Middletons who own and have campaigned "Kris" fearlessly.  He has to be one of the best all-time ambassadors for the breed in England as his sire, our co-owned SBIS English/American/Canadian Ch. Kestos Kriega was for his country while a guest with us.  To the breeder of both these wonderful individuals, Barbara Stokes we send our congratulations for producing them on a small scale breeding program concentrating on quality always.  A celebration was held at the Midland Counties show in England in late October and pictured above is Brian with the new reigning king, "Kris."  

While we were in Scotland, good news came to us from the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Minnesota specialty where Kamgaard Katch The Buzz ("ZigBee") and his kennel-mate Hallie Daisy won their first Rally Novice titles for owners Toni Sibrel and Peter Bojan.  In the conformation ring, Sangrud Kamgaard Kloudberry won her class at her very first show -- congrats to Karen Elvin and Kristin Wehking.  And winning the Veteran Dog class one day along with an Award of Merit was Ch. Kamgaard Kaballaro, NA for owner Mallory Golladay.

Congratulations to Ginger Leeuwenburg and Graafin KNK Maximum Kool Fusion who completed his Championship requirements at the Framingham District Kennel Club on November 7th under Bill Shelton ("Coventry") with all wins from the Bred By Exhibitor class, thus qualifying him for a coveted AKC medallion.  He is a son of Ch. Kamgaard Konscious Kontact.

Last week-end at the Springfield, MA cluster of shows on Friday at the South Windor Kennel Club, Winners Dog for a point under Dr. Lee Reasin went to Horizon The Big Dance (Kommander x Kameo Appearance) owned by Linda Syner and Jacque Lyman.  On Saturday at the Windham County Kennel Club under judge Doris Werdermann, Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 4 points to Ginger Leeuwenburg's Graafin Kub Kadet who is co-bred by Ginger and Kamgaard (Kommander x Kapri) with half brother our Kamgaard Kut Above going Reserve Winners Dog.  Winners Bitch this day went to Moina and Gregg Schroko's Kamgaard Kovered In Klover.  Judging on Sunday at the Springfield Kennel Club by judge Jim Frederiksen saw Kamgaard Kut Above going Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 2 points with Horizon The Big Dance going Reserve and Kamgaard Kovered In Klover was Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed.

A new photo has been added to the gallery for American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we know we have been extraordinarily blessed with good fortune, great friends, and wonderful dogs at our sides.  Who could ask for anything more?

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

While is Scotland, "Liza" (BIS American/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Klapham Junction) flew the banner for us in Bermuda winning 2 Hound Group Firsts and 4 Hound Group Seconds at the six show circuit of the Bermuda All-Breed Club.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to co-breeder/co-owner Linda Atcheson on both these wins and the Top Hound in circuit trophy awarded at the post show banquet!!!

Time out!  After flying first to London then on into Glasgow, Scotland we played tourist in this historic city in anticipation of the big day to come.  October 17th dawned crisp and beautiful and we were off to Hurlford, Scotland where Maggie judged the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Scotland Championship show with entries from all parts of the United Kingdom.  Lovely dogs and wonderful hospitality, we were treated like royalty from start to finish!  At the end of the day, the Veteran dog, Champion Kinderhorn Dain of Conrick, JW SHCM stood alone as Best in Show:

More photos will follow along with a written critique.

After the show, we were off to the Isle of Skye for a restful six days, followed by a visit to Sally's father en route back to Heathrow.  We're still unpacking and promise more details later!

Best of Breed at the Fort Steuben Kennel Association show under judge Mrs. Margretta Patterson-Kauffman today to American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kodiak Snowbear and owner/handler Mary Jo Benedetti.  Notice a change in her name?  Well, that's because Mary Jo (formerly Cieply) and Tony Benedetti went on the trip of a lifetime to Alaska in August to tie the knot!

We wish them health and happiness ALWAYS!

Millwood, Virginia was the site of three shows this week-end;  the Warrenton Kennel Club on Friday and Saturday and the Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia on Sunday.  Best of Breed both Friday and Saturday under judges Joe Walton and W. Everett Dean to puppy Kamgaard Kalypso King of Dandee (Dee, Dan, and Ashley Bates) for his first point and Best of Breed on Sunday under judge Denny Mounce to SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief (Syner/Johnson/Simmonds/Mott).

Nice going, boys!   

No points on offer today at the beautiful Westchester Kennel Club show, but Kamgaard Kovered In Klover went for some practice with owner/handler Moina Schroko who is doing very well in her first few times ever in the ring and learning all the time.

+ + some new skills = a good day out!

Another Best of Breed and group pull today for American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ("Trevor") at the Northwestern Conn. Dog Club show in Springfield, MA under judge Nikki Riggsbee.

Thank Heavens for indoor air conditioned shows as the heat outdoors was tremendous!  We got to visit with Cathy Kambo and her new puppy "Bert" at the show.  Stopping on the way home at the Hartford airport, we picked up Sue Kaplan of Windy City Elkhounds who flew in to visit, learn about our dogs and "talk Elkhounds" for a few days.  We had a GREAT time!

A wise friend once said to me "God gives with one hand and takes with the other."  Amidst many summer triumphs, we must record the passing of one of our favorites, Ch. Wrathwood Kamgaard Kakabeka ("Bekka") at age 12+.  She has graced our home and hearts since the age of 9 weeks when we made the long drive to northwestern Ontario to select our stud puppy from a beautiful litter bred by Lynda Tarnowski ("Wrathwood").  The image of her famous sire in many ways, she was a wonderful show girl, even better mother and all-around "best buddy" to many.  She has left us with outstanding children to work with... but a very big hole in our hearts.  We have had many kind emails from all over the world since her passing, but I think this one from fellow breeder and exhibitor Lisa Peterson ("Elvemel") says it all: 

I'm so very sorry to hear about Bekka, my traveling partner to Denver! She was a truly great bitch and important contributor to the breed. I can instantly spot that Bekka movement in her off-spring, grand off-spring and great grand off-spring! I remember the first time when I showed her for you, perhaps down in Potomac, the same year I had Stasha (1999), and as we took off on that first go-around I was shocked and gleefully surprised how she engaged and burst forth in this fluid, forward moving gait. Even I had trouble keeping up with her! And while we are always saddened when our friends leave us, we are also equally comforted and inspired knowing that they continue to surround us in their progeny.

Rest in peace, "Bekka"... there will never be another quite like you.

A pleasant three days spent on the edge of the Adirondacks at the Ballston Spa, NY shows with beautiful weather, good friends and HOT competition!  Best of Breed all three days at the Saratoga New York Kennel Club, the Glens Falls Kennel Club and the Mohawk Valley Kennel Club shows to Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ("Trevor") along with a super Group 3rd at Saratoga under Canadian judge, Mrs. Elaine Whitney.

A summer "fun day" of activities with our fellow Garden State Norwegian Elkhound Club members and guests at the home of Carol Watt in CT.  A picnic, fun games, meeting, match show and educational session made for a well-rounded day.  "Puppy Evaluation" was the topic of the day with all participating.  The match was judged by longtime breeder Carol Mazzaro ("LedgeRock") who found her Best Puppy in Match in Kamgaard Kovered in Klover with owner-handler Moina Schroko taking her first spin around the ring and Kamgaard Kekekabic going BOS Adult in Match.  Nice job, girls!

Check out the club's new website for future events!   http://www.gsnec.com/

A beautiful sunny day in Stormville, NY found us at the Putnam County Kennel Club show where Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ("Trevor") was Best of Breed under Mrs. Gloria Geringer.

Oh, Canada!

A good time can always be had at a Norwegian Elkhound Club of Canada National specialty!  Showing at three of the four events of the week-end, we started out on Friday at the all-breed show of the Oxford County Kennel Club under Skip Stanbridge ("Mi Sha Ook") who found his Winners Dog and Best of Winners in Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ("Trevor") for 4 points.  Two half-sisters, daughters of Am/Can Ch. Kamgaard Kristalea were Winners Bitch and Reserve Winners Bitch; the points going to (American Ch.) Northwind's Winning Colors owned and handled by Denny Frye from the BBE class and Reserve Winners Bitch to (American Ch.) Kamgaard Kase In Point ("Kasey").

On Saturday, amid thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour, the National Specialty was held first thing in the morning.  Reserve Winners Dog to (American Ch.) Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks who was NOT happy with the weather report and Winners Bitch and Best of Winners to (American Ch.) Kamgaard Kase In Point for a big 5 point win under breeder-judge Nelson Huber ("Valdemar").  As well, "Kasey" was presented with a beautiful memorial plaque for Best Bred By Exhibitor in memory of our dear friend Barbara Innes.  It is a treasured token of a wonderful week-end and a true lady.

As the specialty came to an end, the rain stopped, the sun came out and we ran to the Oxford County all-breed ring for judge William Cunningham to evaluate the entry.  "Trevor" was MUCH happier with the weather conditions and as a result, showed his socks off and was Winners Dog, Best of Winners, and Best of Breed over the Specials to finish the requirements for his Canadian Championship.  "Kasey" was Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex over Champions for another 3 points and coming home a point shy of her Canadian title.  "Trevor" was so happy to see the sun again and "run with the big dogs" in the group ring that he emerged with a GROUP SECOND in a star-studded group!!

Very happy with our efforts, we packed off to the motel to get ready for the NECC banquet, social time and auction.  Lots of treasures on display, several of which have found their way back to New York. 

Thanks to the NECC Show Committee for once again producing a wonderful show!

A leisure day on Sunday...time to visit with some exhibitors, watch the judging, say good-byes and start out for home via the border duty free store.  On the way home, we found that our Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia had been Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex on Saturday at the Duluth Kennel Club show under Jon Cole for 2 points.  CONGRATULATIONS Andrea and "Kar-mun"! 

Puppies are gone :-( ... photos are in :-) !!  The three puppies from the Trevor x Kool Max litter have made their way into their new homes and we couldn't be happier with the placements.  From left to right are "Strykker" - Kamgaard Kalypso King of Dandee  owned by Dee and Dan Bates ("Dandee")of WV, "Chloe" - Kamgaard Kovered In Klover owned by Moina and Gregg Schroko of NY, and "Grey" - Kamgaard Kovered In Grey owned by Lana Hall ("Rikkana") of AR and Kamgaard. 

We wish the new owners all the best of luck with these beautiful babies.

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Rita and Milt Munson of Glacier Valley Elkhounds!  Their homebred Ch. Glacier Valley Knows The Game has done them proud with FOUR group placings in recent weeks at the Montana and Idaho shows; a GR2, a GR3 and 2GR4's.  "Rhett" is their first homebred group placer and a son of Kamgaard The Knockout of GV, who is a litter sister to Chs. Kommander In Chief, Klapham Junction and Kristalea.  Keep up the great work!

Another good day for "Karmann"!  Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia was once again Winners Bitch and Best of Winners, this time for 1 point at the Cambridge Minnesota Kennel Club under Mrs. Lorraine Boutwell. 

Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for 2 points today for Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia at the Anoka County Minnesota Kennel Club under judge Roberta Campbell ("Camcrest").  Co-owner Andrea Schokker handled "Karmann" to her wins.

CONGRATULATIONS to Catrina and Kyle Spruce and Ginger Leeuwenburg on a wonderful first showing/first win on their Graafin Kapris' Steele Blue Kenaz, son of Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ex SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Kapri at Graafin.  After only two handling classes, "Kenaz" was Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Breed from the Puppy class for a 3 point major at the Greenwich Kennel Club under judge Henry L. Gregory.  He went on to a 3rd in the Puppy Hound Group as well!!  Co-bred by Kamgaard and Ginger Leeuwenburg.

Best of Breed today as well to SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kotton To Me at the Asheville Kennel Club show in North Carolina under judge Carol O'Bryant.  Congratulations to co-owner Elaine Oakes! 

The annual trek to Virginia for the specialty show and supported entry of the Norwegian Elkhound Club of the Potomac Valley proved an interesting week-end.  Lots of good company, the club's post show picnic it's usual success, and some extreme weather conditions to dance around.

The specialty on Saturday was judged by breeder Dr. Robert Indeglia ("Tekdal") who found his Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed in SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief from the Veteran Dog class as well as Reserve Winners Bitch in puppy Kamgaard Kekekabic. 

After severe storms on Saturday night, Sunday dawned cool and breezy and the Elkhounds were in their glory!  Prominent dog artist and Saluki breeder, Mr. Garry Newton ("Solari") officiated at the supported entry and awarded Reserve Winners Dog to a 5 point major to young Kamgaard Kut Above, Winners Bitch to Kamgaard Kapture The Wind for a 4 point major and her Championship, and Best of Breed to Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks!!!  A long wait for the Hound Group, but well worth it as "Trevor" captured his first group placement, a Group Fourth in excellent competition from Mr. Newton.  Shown on Sunday only, "Trevor" helped us to celebrate Syttende Mai!

Sadly, we report the death of Sharon Hershberger ("Pelstad" prefix) another long time Elkhound friend and associate who we have known since the 70's.  Sharon was the proud owner and handler of Ch. Kamgaard Kount Me In and breeder of the lovely Ch. Kamgaard Kermette of Pelstad who did much winning in the 80's.  In later years, Sharon and husband Ronnie turned their passions toward the Viszla breed and did very well with them, and we have maintained a steadfast friendship through the years.

To Ronnie we send our condolences and wish Sharon peace at last.

A week-end at home, time to catch up on a number of things and reflect on all the good things we have to be thankful for despite recent losses. 

Belated congratulations to SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kotton To Me and handler/co-owner Elaine Oakes for "Lykke's" Best of Breed at the Piedmont Kennel Club show on April 5th under Dr. Michael Woods (Canada).  A new photo was added to "Lykke's" gallery from his Milwaukee Specialty Best.

Special congratulations to Linda Syner and Pam Johnson on finishing their Horizon's Raise The Roof (by SBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kommander In Chief ex SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian/Bermudian Ch. Kamgaard Kameo Appearance) on April 18th at the Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia with a Best of Breed from the classes under judge Terry Stacy.  This was "Summit's" fourth major with all wins coming from the Bred By Exhibitor class, thus qualifying her for the AKC's prestigious Bred By Exhibitor medallion!

Congratulations to Mabel and Larry Diamond and Ginger Leeuwenburg for another point on their Graafin Kuttin' A Rugg KNK, a son of Ch. Kamgaard Konscious Kontact, at the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club on April 18th under judge Larry Terricone.  In the course of a few short months, Mabel is becoming very proficient in presenting "Gunnar" and we wish her continued success.  Litter brother Graafin KNK Maximum Kool Fusion was Best of Breed the following day at the South Windsor Kennel Club under judge Jeanette McGinnis from the Bred By Exhibitor class.  Talented siblings!  

Good news from England reached here on Saturday night and in view of the recent loss of Kriega, we have to offer our congratulations yet again to Brian and Linda Middleton for winning BEST IN SHOW! at the Norwegian Elkhound Club of Great Britains's Championship Show with the Kriega son, English Ch. Kestos I Spy at Graythor.  Reserve Challenge Certificate went to another Kriega son, Bowerhinton Bonanza at Gilkaro, so no doubt Kriega was smiling from above.  The bitch Challenge Certificate and Reserve Best in Show from the Veteran Bitch class went to English Ch. Barlestone Qualiti, a daughter of the late Kamgaard Kapture The Moment (exported to the UK).  Judge was the popular Robin Searle.

We were happy to receive some photos from Steve and Cindy Chester ("Jeger" Elkhounds in TN) of their singleton "frozen" puppy, "Lonesome Dove" sired by our Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks ex Ch. Jeger's Incense N' Peppermints.  At four weeks we LOVE her outline and hope she will continue to "grow up gorgeous."  Quality over quantity ALWAYS!

Home from Bermuda following the funeral of David Atcheson, we were again saddened to hear from Gill Bingham in England with the news that our previously co-owned SBIS English/American/Canadian Ch. Kestos Kriega was laid to rest on Thursday following exploratory surgery for inoperable tumors.  Our tribute to Kriega in the Norwegian Elkhounds of the UK website read: 

"To know this dog was to love him.  He was a wonderful ambassador for his breed and his country and I think that of all the English dogs we have brought to America in the course of some forty years, he is the one which won the most hearts.  I don't know that there could ever be an Elkhound more wanting to please you and just happy to be with you.   He was funny, smart, calm and collected and yet the consummate show dog.  He gave 110% of himself at whatever he did.

He has left a great legacy and following on both sides of the pond and of his nine plus years on earth, we feel humbled that we were treated to share two of them.             

Rest in peace, dear Kriega...there will never be another like you." 

In times such as these, the best medicine in the world is time spent sitting in the puppy pen...

A. David Atcheson

  April 9, 1928 - April 2, 2009  

A very sad day here as this morning we learned of the death of our very best friend David Atcheson of Bermuda.  We are struggling to think of life without him for if ever there was a kinder man put on the planet, we haven't met him.  David and wife Linda were what we referred to as "Kamgaard Bermuda" -- an integral part of our breeding plans, travels, and all around joy of life... i.e. family.  Our lives have been enriched by knowing and loving David and we will always treasure all the good times we spent with him. 

 Rest in peace, dear friend and "other father."

An early start to get to the New Brunswick Kennel Club show in Edison, NJ for mid-morning judging with the single passenger on the bus being Kamgaard Kut Above.  Breed judge Dr. Donald Sturtz rewarded "Kobi" with Winners Dog and Best of Breed over a Ch. thus giving this 8 month old youngster his second major in less than a month!

Going into a big quality Hound Group was a new experience for "Kobi" but he handled it all in stride.  Later he placed 3rd in the Puppy Hound Group under judge David Kirkland.  A long day for a tired puppy who slept soundly all the way home.

Time for a "mini break"!  Leaving the morning of St. Patrick's Day, we drove to York, PA for an evening concert with world famous flutist Sir James Galway and the York Symphony Orchestra.  Wonderful!  The next day our destination was Annapolis, MD where we explored the city on a beautiful sunny day with our

traveling companions "Kubota" (left - SBIS/UBIS American/Canadian Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Proud) and his girlfriend "Bekka" (right - SBIS Ch. Wrathwood Kamgaard Kakabeka) both of whom are 12 years of age, showed no signs of tourist fatigue and proved to be "kid magnets"!  From there on over to Horizon Elkhounds of Linda Syner and Pam Johnson for dinner on the Chesapeake Bay that evening.  The next day we brought home "Kool Max" (Ch. Kamgaard Klearly Grey) and her "three muskateers" below which were born and lovingly raised at Horizon.  With many thanks to Linda and Pam, we departed on Thursday and were back home in hours.

"...and to all a good night!"

New individual pages have been added for the following individuals to the Here We Are Today tab:

SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kotton To Me

Kamgaard Kase In Point

Kamgaard Kekekabic

Kamgaard Kut Above 

Our annual drive to the two specialty shows of the Greater Milwaukee Norwegian Elkhound Association proved a little more taxing than usual with cold temperatures and driving winds for most of the trip and blizzard conditions on the last day enroute home...but...we feel the results were worth it!

Friday's breeder-judge Sally Berger ("Galena Creek") made the following placings:  BEST OF BREED!!! to SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kotton To Me handled by Kristi Wehking.  Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed to Kamgaard Kase In Point for a 4 point major and we were especially pleased with the performances of young puppies "Kobi" (Kamgaard Kut Above) and Kekka" (Kamgaard Kekekabic) both at their first show as they were Reserve Winners Dog and Reserve Winners Bitch!

Breeder-judge Rick Berger ("Galena Creek") officiated on Saturday and found his Winners Dog in Kamgaard Kut Above from the 6-9 month Puppy Dog class for a 4 point major and Kamgaard Kase In Point was Reserve Winners Bitch.

Awards of Merit both days to Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks and on the second day to SBIS Ch. Kamgaard Kotton To Me.

Trundling off to the Rockland County Kennel Club show today, we had a good visit with several Elkhound friends and socializing puppies.  Co-owners Linda and David Atcheson from Bermuda were on hand to watch their Kamgaaard Kapture The Wind ("Karly") pick up another 2 points from the Bred By Exhibitor class as she was WB, BOW and BOS under Nat Horn ("Eastern Waters").

A new individual page for Kamgaard Highland Karmann Ghia has been added to the Here We Are Today tab as well as a new addition to the Everyday Life tab.

Billed as the ultimate educational week-end, the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club's "Canine Learning Experience" has become just that as well as a mini winter week-end "get away."   There are educational programs, demonstrations, supply and breed club booths, eye and tattoo clinics as well as their famous Puppy Sweepstakes on Saturday night and all-breed match on Sunday -- this year with close to 400 puppies trying out their wings.

On Saturday we put puppies "Kekka" (Kamgaard Kekekabic) and "Kobi" (Kamgaard Kut Above) through the eye clinic along with "Kobi's" sire, "Trevor" (Ch. Kamgaard Kover Your Tracks) and all passed with flying colors.  Later that evening, Kekka won her all Hound Sweepstakes class while Kobi placed third in his under judge Glen Hoffmann.  Each won enough money for NEW TOYS!

Sunday morning's match started early and judge Gwen McCullagh ("Brendans") found her Best of Breed Puppy in "Kobi" who she also honored with  HOUND GROUP FIRST! (photo above) in a nice big group of quality puppies!!  No Best in Match today, but many, many lessons learned by these two hooligans who came home more "worldly" for their efforts along with lots of nice comments on both puppies from breeders we respect.

While in the Best in Match ring, we were reminded of the club's efforts to once again produce a top-notch week-end in this their 100th Anniversary year.  It is a club which Maggie has had much association with, teaching their handling classes for years in the 70's and 80's.  Also thinking back to their very first "Supermatch" some 31 years ago, it was won by a very novice Judy Silker ("Dunharrow") with her 9 month old Kamgaard Bard av Dunharrow, who became not only Judy's first Champion, but an all-breed Best in Show and Specialty Best in Show winner -- the first of many in a long line of winners for her.  

Happy New Year to all!... and with the first show of the year has come our first new Champion for 2009!!! SBIS Kamgaard Kotton To Me has completed the requirements for his Championship title at the Winnegamie Dog Club show today in Oshkosh, Wisconsin winning Best of Breed from the classes under judge Thomas Kilcullen. Our many thanks go to Kristi Wehking who has worked with, handled and nurtured "Lykke" into being a show dog and has brought out his best qualities. CONGRATULATIONS to co-owner Elaine Oakes who is celebrating in North Carolina!