‘Hellcat Hoedown’ returns for 2nd year

Published 10:37 am Wednesday, September 30, 2015

An event unlike just about any other takes place this Saturday and it benefits a non-profit organization which assists families of deceased military personnel.

The 2nd annual “Hellcat Hoedown” takes place this Saturday, Oct. 3, at The Capri Club, which is located at 8585 9th Ave. in Port Arthur. The daytime portion of the event is suitable for all ages, while the evening activities are for ages 21 and older.

The “Hellcat Hoedown” is being organized by Lee Pelly and Authum MacCammond of Beaumont, co-founders of the non-profit organization No Stone Left Unturned, which raises funds to help place headstones for deceased U.S. military personnel. The government pays for the headstone, but not for the placement, and many families are unable to cover this cost.

“Over the past year, we have done a lot of events to bring more awareness to our program but it is still going to take time,” Pelly said. “The segment we had on ‘Texas Country Reporter’ really helped and people are taking notice now.”

From 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, the event is family-friendly and will take place outside in the parking lot adjacent to the business featuring games and activities for children.

“We just want to bring everyone together with this event,” Pelly added. “With the variety of events, and the diversity of the musicians, and the different types of vendors who are going to be there, it will be like a gumbo of people. It will be a community of people who are wanting to support everyone else.”

There will be vendors offering various items, as well as Jeep contest. Categories include “dirtiest Jeep,” “Best Audio,” “Best Lift,” “Best In Stock,” and “Best In Show” with trophies being presented for second and third place as well in the final category. Attendance matters as guests will be voting.

After 5 p.m., the festivities will relocate inside the venue and will be for ages 21 and older only. Live acoustic music will be provided by Autumn in April, Danny Dillon, Spencer Marks, Bronco Jr., Knuckle Deep and a full-band set will feature Thomas Teague and the Bayou Blackbirds after 8 p.m.

Activities include a “Pinup Girl” contest at 7 p.m., as well as beard and mustache contests. Trophies will be presented to the winners of each contest.

“Al of our contests are based on audience participation,” MacCammond explained. “It was really popular last year, and we think it will be even bigger this year.”

For more information on this organization, visit them online at www.nostoneleftun-turned.com or find them on Facebook.