FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 10, 2023) – There is absolutely nothing like the events that happen at the Hillwood Land & Cattle American Hero Celebration with Charly Crawford which will be held over four days in November.
Presented by J.P Morgan Chase, activities start with the Horns N’ Heroes roping school where veterans, retired and active service personnel, and first responders participate in a roping school with Crawford leading the headers and Trey Johnson teaching the heelers. After two days of learning, participants have their own roping competition. The real competition begins November 9 with the Ranch Rodeo. Friday, Nov. 10 features the Military-First Responder Roping, the Open Roping, and the Military-First Responder/Pro Roping. All of these activities will take place at NRS Arena in Decatur, Texas, then move to Fort Worth that evening.
The second annual Heroes Gala will be held at Billy Bob’s 81 club where Rear Admiral Douglas Beal, USN. Ret. Will be the featured speaker. Guests at the Gala will be able to participate in silent and live auctions as well as watch live artist Josey Butler of Streakin’ B Art create a painting that will be part of the live auction.
The highlight of the American Hero Celebration is the Imus Ranch NFR Showdown that takes place on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cowtown Coliseum. The Showdown will see Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) team ropers competing and giving fans a preview of their runs for a world championship. It will also feature the top 15 teams from the Military-First Responder compete in their final round. The finals of the Stray Gathering Ranch Rodeo will culminate the 2023 event.
Crawford made it a mission to give back to the military by hosting a free roping school in 2014. It has now grown into the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation which hosts Western lifestyle events for the organization’s heroes and raises funds for related charities. One of Crawford’s missions is to give them a championship experience similar to what he had competing in the heading at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 10 times. At the Showdown, the Military-First Responder Roping finalists will participate in opening ceremonies where they ride in behind their branch’s flag, similar to contestants that ride behind their state flag at the NFR.
When the champions of that roping are crowned they will receive trophy saddles, buckles and a check that is likely to be the biggest they have ever won just having fun. Since the roping school has expanded into a full event and fundraising efforts have been implemented, over $300,000 has been raised for charities. Another $250,000 has been paid directly to military and first responders that have participated in the ropings.
“We have assembled and awesome team that really cares about this event and the people that it supports,” Crawford said. “It gets better each year and we are able to help more of our heroes. We’re excited about the future and want people to join in honoring those who have served our great country in any capacity.”
Additional sponsors contributing to the success of the American Hero Celebration are Quanta, Signature Equine Hospital, Ariat, Driver Land & Cattle Company; Classic Rope; Douglas Allred Company; Kinetic Vet’ and Javelin.
Tickets are on sale now at www.Libertyandloyaltyfoundation.com.
For more information on the American Hero Celebration, visit Liberty & Loyalty Foundation on Facebook.
About Liberty & Loyalty Foundation (formerly American Military Celebration) is a non-profit 501c3 organization started by professional team roper Charly Crawford. Liberty & Loyalty Foundation produces Western lifestyle events for veterans, retired and active service personnel, and first responders. Events promote leadership and teamwork while encouraging camaraderie, forming support systems, and making memories. Through these events, opportunities for fund raising are utilized for charities that support the needs of our heroes.
