DeMontrond Ford in Cleveland will host a Hometown Heroes event on Saturday, March 14, bringing together community leaders, first responders, local businesses and families for a day of food, music and fellowship.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the dealership, located at 3944 U.S. Highway 59.
Michael Thomas, general manager of DeMontrond Ford, said the event is part of an effort to become more involved in the Cleveland community and to recognize those who serve it.
“We’re very excited to honor the pillars of the community that hold this community together,” Thomas said.
Those being recognized this year include Cleveland Mayor Danny Lee, Police Chief Darrel Broussard and Fire Chief Sean Anderson. Thomas said the event will also celebrate first responders and others who serve the community.
“Now, just because we name three people doesn’t mean we aren’t recognizing first responders. I want the sheriff’s department, Liberty County constables, everybody, the fire department, military, you know, we want it all,” Thomas said. “We want everybody to come in and be a part of our family. Come in, shake our hands and enjoy free barbecue.”
Finance Manager Bruce Martin said the event will include food, music and activities for families.
“It’s going to be a big blowout,” Martin said.
Barbecue will be provided by Rockin R, and the event will also feature vendors, games for children, cotton candy, and music from DJ David Martin. Representatives from local businesses and organizations, including Whataburger and Walmart, are also expected to participate.
The event coincides with Ford Truck Month, a nationwide promotion when buyers can take advantage of special offers on new Ford trucks, including zero percent financing on select pickups.
Both Thomas and Martin said events like this are important because they help businesses like theirs stay connected to the people they serve.
“Oh, it’s essential. Number one, we’re part of the community,” Thomas said.
Martin, who has worked at the dealership for more than a decade, said he enjoys the relationships that come from serving customers in a smaller community.
“I just enjoy working with people. You get the old friend type of relationship if you come here because everybody knows everybody,” Martin said.
Thomas said the dealership’s goal is to build lasting relationships with customers rather than focusing only on individual sales.
“We don’t want to just sell one car. We want to sell you cars for a lifetime,” he said.
The Hometown Heroes event is part of a broader effort by the dealership to host community activities throughout the year. Last year, DeMontrond Ford hosted the first Hometown Heroes event and a car show that attracted dozens of vehicles and drew strong community participation.
For Thomas and Martin, the motivation behind these events is simple.
“Smiles, interaction, helping someone with the need, feeding people and honoring the people that deserve to be honored,” Martin said.
Residents are invited to attend the free event, meet community leaders and first responders, and enjoy food and activities while learning more about the dealership and its vehicles.
To hear the full interview for Bluebonnet News Headlines and Heartlines featuring Thomas and Martin, click the link below: