Mandan Rodeo strives to "Fill the Barrel" for injured veterans

As part of its 2010 effort to raise money for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, the Mandan Rodeo Days Committee will be asking spectators at rodeos on July 2, 3 and 4 to help fill a barrel with cash and checks to assist inured veterans.

The Mandan Rodeo plans to match up to $1,000 on the bid price for a red, white and blue guitar to be auctioned on “Salute America’s Heroes Night,” July 3. All proceeds will be donated to the coalition to provide help to injured troops from the War on Terror and their families.

The guitar being auctioned is signed by country music artists and bands Billy Ray Cyrus, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sawyer Brown, Diamond Rio and John Michael Montgomery. It is donated by Nightlife Music and Limousines. A photo of the guitar may be viewed at http://www.mandanrodeo.com.

Programs and services offered by the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes include emergency financial assistance, family support, home renovations and upgrades, counseling referrals, and career re-training. For more information, visit http://www.saluteheroes.org.

Rodeo spectators are also encouraged to wear red, white and blue on July 3 to show support for the U.S. military.