Hernando residents are invited to ‘line up’ and show their support of the county’s veterans when they attend the first Country Western Night this Saturday at the new American Legion Post 418 in Spring Hill. This event will offer live country western music, line dancing and delicious down-home food—and it’s all for a good cause.
“The Legion has joined forces with VFW 10209 to help many more veterans with all types of services and resources,” said Jim Sales, VFW auxiliary spokesperson. “We’re getting the job done, and we need the help of the community.”
Through this newfound partnership, these two veteran organizations provide a myriad of services for veterans who seek their aid, including helping them prepare the paperwork needed for government benefits, seeking counseling and health services, and procuring information about resources in regard to food, housing, etc. From a listening ear to a helping hand, this new partnership is making major changes in this county’s range and availability of services for all vets without limiting aid to veterans based on where and when they served their nation.
Now, these organizations have joined forces to host a root tootin’ country-themed event on Saturday, Aug. 19, at their venue, 14736 Edward R. Noll Dr., Spring Hill. The event will kick off at 6 pm, with dinner, music and dancing from 7 pm to 10 pm. The cost is $5 per person for a night of country fun.
“This is our first Country Western Night,” said Sales. “We have so many exciting events planned for the community, all of which will support the vets.”
Kris Pierce will provide live entertainment, performing country music favorites and leading some spirited line dances. A vocalist, entertainer and songwriter from Tampa, he has performed throughout the country, singing country classics such as “They Call Me the Breeze,” “God Bless the USA,” “Tin Man” and “Sold.” He has performed previously at Summerfest at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills, the All About Women’s Expo at Brandon Town Center and at Elks and Eagles lodges throughout the area. Learn more about this talented artist at https://www.krispiercemusic.com//
“I play a lot of veterans clubs and events around the country. I love supporting the vets, and think that we can all come together by hanging out together,” he said. “I also love to perform country music–I started out writing gospel, and country is close to my roots,” said Pierce.
It seems fitting that this venue, nicknamed Hernando County’s only country venue, would host a gala centered around country western music and line dancing—with free line dancing lessons available! A line dance is a popular form of musical expression that revolves around a repeated series of choreographed steps performed in lines or rows. “If anyone has ever wanted to try line dancing, this is their chance to learn,” said Sales.
Wright Kinda Barbecue, a food truck business that operates throughout the Tampa Bay area, will offer barbecue food for purchase at the event, and beverages will be available for purchase at the bar. The fare on offer will include delicious BBQ ribs, chicken and pork. Previously, Wright Kinda Barbecue offered their eats at the Red, White and Brews event at Anderson Snow Sports Complex and many other gatherings.
“We truly appreciate the sacrifices our vets have made in order to ensure our country remains the best!” said Rod Wright, owner/pitmaster of Wright Kinda Barbecue. “Just like our vets, we put our heart and soul into everything we do.”
And as guests kick up their heels and fill their tummies, they’ll be putting their hearts into a great cause. “No one in the American Legion or the VFW wants to ever turn any veteran away for any reason,” said Sales. “Now we can help so many more.”
