From arguing over who gets the turkey’s wishbone to making sure Uncle John does not get into Aunt Janice’s pumpkin pies before the blessing is pronounced, Thanksgiving has its traditions and preferred dishes.

Some residents in Beaufort County and nearby environs willingly share those traditions and dishes.

For Linda C. Clark, Thanksgiving brings back sweet memories. Clark posted this on Facebook: “When mom was really doing it up big on Thanksgiving she ordered an “assortment” box from Brownie Bakery back when Hobart and Flora Belle Brown were living. Flora Belle made something divine I haven’t seen since. These were stuffed “cheese dates.” These confections looked like a tiny sharp cheese shaped taco filled with a mixture of freshly chopped pecans and dates. Also the Brown’s made heavenly date and nut bars. Mom also ordered their decorated cake squares, iced chocolate brownies, ladyfingers and pecan squares.”

Robert Belcher, a former Beaufort County Board of Education member, spent many Thanksgiving Day mornings hunting. He posted this on Facebook: “We went rabbit hunting Thanksgiving morning. We had beagles, usually from 5 to 7 dogs between me and my neighbor. We started the rabbit hunt around 8am and got the dogs back in the box around noon. We did not shoot a lot of hares but we sure did love listening to those beagles sing when they were hot on Mr. Cottontail’s trail. When the rabbit was ‘jumped’ he would often take off on a wide loop and run back to where he started. A fox or a deer on the other hand took off and we ended up looking for the dogs the rest of the day. No electronic collars back then. Hopefully back at home to eat before 1pm.”

Suzi Piegols offers this via Facebook: “George (husband) and I have hosted a community Thanksgiving potluck here at Pamlico Plantation for the last 4-5 years, as many of us are from out of the area and far from family. I roast the turkey. We usually have anywhere from 14-20 people show up. Everyone is good about helping to clean up and we don’t have to worry about too many leftovers!”

Richard Quinlan is found in a tree stand hunting deer on most Thanksgiving mornings. He writes: “We always liked hosting Thanksgiving at our farm. I’ll be up and in my deer stand before sunrise and hopefully with any luck we will have a fresh backstrap (tenderloin) to have with the turkey.”