Gettysburg is going to the dogs next week, quite literally, with greyhounds (and “bluehounds”) arriving in town for the 2025 installment of Greyhounds in Gettysburg. Now in its 26th year as a beloved annual mainstay, this time-tested, fan-favorite fundraiser continues to draw in crowds by the hundreds of both four-legged and two-legged visitors alike every spring.
As a multi-day event, Greyhounds in Gettysburg (GIG) has emerged to become the largest sighthound reunion in the country. The local nonprofit Nittany Greyhounds has been managing the event directly since 2013.
The founding mission behind Greyhounds in Gettysburg remains unchanged—to raise a broader awareness about the often-overlooked yet essential need for greyhound adoptions. Because these retired racing hounds don’t have the same advantages as newborn puppies, placing them in loving, committed homes that can properly take care of their physical and emotional needs (and sometimes the complexities that come with advanced age) can be a little more challenging. That’s why this event serves to educate and inspire as well as to acquaint prospective adoptees with greyhounds on a personal, low-key level where everyone gets to enjoy a tail-wagging good time!
Every year, attendees and participants hail from far and wide for a weekend full of dog delightful endeavors and other fun follies. From food vendors, crafters, small business setups, area shopping deals (complimentary water for dogs), educational seminars, lectures, demos, and more, there’s no shortage of activities to get into when you’re a part of the GIG goodness.
This year’s action begins on Thursday, April 24, with all scheduled activities and special occurrences continuing through the end of the day on Saturday, April 26. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Gettysburg Outlet Mall parking lot. The lineup will include a Welcome Parade, Blessing of the Hounds, Hot Dog Social, and Free Raffle. Later on, at 7 p.m., there will be a family-friendly Game Night offering at the Eisenhower Hotel Grand Ballroom. This is a ticketed event that you can either preregister for or pay $6 at the door to attend.
Things get started bright and early on Friday morning, with a tribute to the lesser-known Florida Brigade at Gettysburg, led by William Thomas, Licensed Battlefield Guide of Gettysburg National Military Park. The event will take place at 8 a.m. at the Florida State Monument on Confederate Avenue.
Other events included as part of the GIG lineup on Friday will be largely located at the Allstar Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the agenda will be speaker John Stephan, giving a lecture on Spectra Therapy at 11 a.m., a noon presentation on the History of Greyhounds by enthusiast and history buff John Parker, a lecture by Jennifer Saker and Ducky McComas on Greyhound Amber Alerts at 1 p.m., and a fascinating Genetic Insight presentation by Jess Hayward, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Cornell Veterinary Biobank and Department of Biomedical Sciences at 2 p.m.
Many fun games, activities, and other stuff will be running at the Allstar Center throughout the day. But one of the most alluring endeavors for the evening will be the Pajama Party Banquet at the Eisenhower Hotel Grand Ballroom at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday will be an all-out bash with a vast array of activities and endeavors all day long. It all starts with an 8 a.m. World War II Museum Tour at the World War II Museum. All offerings at the Allstar Center will get underway at 8:30 a.m. Seminars, lectures, and demos will be ongoing, as well as unique hands-on activities. Some fun happenings include Art Workshops, a Costume Contest, an Ice Cream Social (for people and dogs), and so much more.
All of the action and excitement may leave you dog-tired, but it’ll all be worth it! Click here for a complete list of details and events that will be taking place, along with a list of vendors and a map to help you navigate.
All proceeds from Greyhounds in Gettysburg benefit the adoption efforts and loving placement for these gracious greyhounds and other ex-racing sighthounds around the world, including Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Borzoi, and others. Nittany Greyhounds operates one hundred percent through donations, which, in addition to adoptions, serve to assist in medical expenses, transportation, and raising overall awareness.
Consider attending this year’s event. You’ll be doggone glad you did! Click here to learn more.