Opry relives glory
of Texas freedom
by Allison Adams
reporter

   “Remember the Alamo,”Gen. Sam Houston said at the annual Cowtown Opry Celebration of Texas Independence fund-raiser earlier this month.
   The celebration began outside the Livestock Exchange building in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Members of the Opry entertained guests by performing songs by Ernest Tubbs and other Texas songwriters.
   Janet McBride showed off her yodeling skills while younger members of the Opry joined her. McBride introduced the young singers as the Cowtown Opry Buckaroos.
   Several Buckaroos performed, including Brook and Sally Ann Wallace, award-winning fiddle players, who played the National Anthem.
Friends of the Opry, Rodeo Pals Anita, Sadie and Whisky, performed a horse, dog and one-woman show.
   Anita, the horse and dog trainer, amazed the audience with her roping techniques as Whisky the horse provided comical entertainment.
   Sadie the dog sneezed on command and jumped through Anita’s roping tricks.
   The highlight of the night began with the appearance of Gen. Sam Houston on horseback.
   Houston, played by J.R. “Jack” Edmondson, told of the struggle for Texas Independence 168 years ago.
   Before leaving, Houston read a portion of Colonel William Barret Travis’ letter calling for reinforcements one week before the fall of the Alamo.
   “ In the name of liberty, of patriotism and everything dear to the American character, come to our aid,” Houston read.
   A cannon and gun salute followed Houston’s appearance.
   Four guns were shot into the air, and two cannons were fired as Houston rode away.
   Guests then climbed aboard a hayride to meet for dinner at the River Ranch Hall.
   A silent auction began shortly after dinner. Winners were announced the next day.
   All money raised will support the Cowtown Opry and the Buckaroos. The goal is to provide scholarships for the young performers.
   Performances are every Sunday at 131 East Exchange Avenue at 2 p.m. For more information, go to www.cowtownopry.com.