Dylan Moore Days, an annual event celebrating the life of the weekend’s namesake, is scheduled for September 18 and 19.
Throughout the two days there will be family-oriented and child-friendly events at the Halifax County 4-H Horse and Livestock Complex off Highway 903 outside Halifax.
“Dylan Moore Days … celebrates the life of a special little boy that the community adopted as the Roanoke Valley Cowboy as well as a way for family and friends to pay it forward,” according to the sponsorship letter by Dylan’s mother, Betsy Moore.
When Dylan was 3 he was diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic blood disorder which causes bone marrow failure. “Our lives were turned upside down,” his mother said. “I used to think we had good insurance, we would be OK.”
(To become a sponsor for Dylan Moore Days download the form at this link)
That’s when the family realized that some treatments were not covered. “When we added up the expenses not to be covered such as travel, meals, accommodations, not to mention lost wages for extended periods out of work, to say we were overwhelmed was an understatement.”
Not only was there the emotional devastation, the family wondered how they would cope financially. “Our community and even people from other countries stepped up to the plate. They held fundraiser after fundraiser to help us with medical expenses throughout Dylan’s illness.”
In July of 2009, Dylan succumbed to the blood disorder and the first Dylan Moore Days would become reality. “Dylan Moore Days is our way of paying forward all of the support we received by helping other families going through a medical crisis while honoring the memory of our precious Dylan.”
His mother writes, “Dylan loved to help people during his short life. He put on a special concert and sent the money to the children’s hospital. He also wrote a cookbook to raise money for (Fanconi Anemia) and for his church. This event allows Dylan to continue to do what he loved — help people in need.”
The recipients of this year’s Dylan Moore Days are the family of Heidi May, John Russell, Jaxon Aycock and Dakota Shuford.
If the event is canceled due to COVID-19, sponsorship money can still be donated or a refund can be requested.
Throughout the two days there will be several events, including a trail ride, benefit fair and fun horse show.
The gate will open at 4 p.m. on September 17. There are a limited number of camp hookups and stalls available for an extra fee on a first come, first served basis and are by reservation only.
Cornhole
A cornhole tournament will be Saturday, September 18 beginning at 1 p.m. Warmups will begin at 11 a.m. In case of rain the event will be held Sunday, September 19.
Entry fee is $30 per team with a 50 percent payout. Contact Eddie Ruble at 252-370-6761 or Ricky Dorer at 252-578-1372.
Chincoteague pony penning raffle
There will be a raffle for a free beach vacation at the Sea Shell for the Chincoteague annual pony penning for the 2022 season.
Chris and Dana Conklin have donated a five-night stay at the Sea Shell.
Tickets are $5 or five for $20.
To purchase tickets contact Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her at 252-578-4964 or contact Peanut Moore at 252-578-4965.
Checks should be made payable to the Halifax County Horse Council with Pony Penning Raffle in the memo. Mail checks to HCHC, PO Box 1344, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
Trail ride
The trail ride, which will be held September 18, will have room for a limited number of riders and pre-registration is highly recommended. To pre-register email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If the capacity is limited, organizers will take the first ones who pre-registered until the cut-off is reached.
Current negative Coggins tests are required on all horses.
Gun raffle
Then there will be a gun raffle for an H002C Henry US Survival rifle and a box of ammo.
Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.
To purchase tickets for the gun raffle contact Peanut Moore at 252-578-4965, Betsy Moore at 252-578-4964, Jennifer Norton at 252-532-1210 or Bruce Norton at 252-536-9810
More information can be found at the event’s website
