5/21/07
(Eureka Springs, AR) The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down in Eureka Springs begins its "Salute the Veterans" tribute this Memorial Day Weekend. Every night, the Hoe-Down honors veterans by ending the show with a powerful Patriotic segment. In a rush of overwhelming pride and emotion, the crowd stands, salutes Old Glory, and cheers as the Hoe-Down band performs their own versions of "God Bless the U.S.A" and "America, the Beautiful". Randall George, owner and performer at the Hoe-Down, says "This is probably our most powerful patriotic segment we've ever done here at the Hoe-Down, and the reaction from the crowd every night makes me want to give them even more."

With that said, the Hoe-Down decided to do just that. Something special has been brewing at the Hoe-Down in 2007, and they've waited to reveal their secret until the most appropriate time - Memorial Day Weekend. "We want to do more for our veterans and soldiers currently serving in Iraq," stated George. "We want them to know how much we appreciate what they do, and we want to send a little piece of home over to their side of the world." This little piece of home is a special edition CD only available to soldiers overseas, sent to them in the name of audience members each night.

The CD, entitled "The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Salutes the Veterans", is available to visitors each night for only $4 with any souvenir purchase. "We wanted to do something a little more personal than just start another veteran's fund." said George. Chalk one up for the Hoe-Down to invest their time - not just their money - to honor those fighting for our safety and security. When an audience member buys one of these special CD's, a compilation of live music and comedy from the 8pm show, the buyer signs the CD cover with their name, saying "thank you" to a soldier. The Hoe-Down then sends the CD on behalf of that person and the Hoe-Down Gang to a soldier in Iraq. Upon returning home, the soldier and their spouse are invited to attend the Hoe-Down free when presenting their CD at the box office. "It's just our way of allowing the crowd to participate in sending a piece of home back to our men and women overseas," George says.

In addition to the special edition CD, the Hoe-Down has created a new forum on their website for audience members to say their own thank you's to veterans and soldiers. Leslie Wright, performer at the Hoe-Down and owner of Eureka Springs Web Design created the forum to allow visitors to interact with soldiers and veterans. "A forum is just one more way to allow visitors to reach our veterans and soldiers to let them know how much we appreciate what they're doing for us." The forum is accessible through the Hoe-Down's site at www.hoedown.net, or directly at www.salutetheveterans.com. With over a million hits on their site in 2006, the Hoe-Down is looking forward to its visitors leaving comments for veterans and soldiers as well.

The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down's "Salute the Veterans" tribute is performed every night during their 8pm show, as well their all new 3pm matinee. For complete show times and ticket information visit them on the web at www.eurekasprings-hoedown.com or call (800) 468-2113.