NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and  Budweiser present the 12th Annual Horses, Hops and Cops fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will again be held at the N.O.P.D. horse stables located at 1021 Harrison Avenue in New Orleans City Park. The event is free for all ages to attend.  Southern Eagle Sales and Service, the New Orleans-area Budweiser distributor, continues to partner with the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation to co-produce the event, which raises money for the N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit.  

Entertainment 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales while they are in town for carnival season, as well as enjoy self-guided tours of the horse stables. Guests will also enjoy a live equestrian soccer game at 5:30 p.m. featuring members of the N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. Live entertainment will be provided by Street Lyfe Band at 5:00pm followed by Preservation Brass at 6:30pm on the Budweiser stage. The event will also feature handmade gifts from arts and craft vendors, food and beverages for sale, and the opportunity to have a professional photo taken with a Budweiser Clydesdale horse.  

Raffle 

A raffle is on sale now for a chance to win one of the following prizes: Two passes to the Budweiser Mardi Gras balcony (winner and guest must be 21 or older; a pair of diamond stud earrings from Diamonds Direct; a Night Out featuring a pair of tickets to a Saenger Theater show with dinner for two at Rizzuto’s and limousine transportation from American Luxury Limousines. Drawing will be held at the conclusion of the event at 7:55 p.m. Winner need not be present. Purchase raffle tickets at www.horseshopsandcops.com.  

VIP Experience 

The event offers a limited quantity of VIP Experience tickets for sale for both adults and children. VIP Experience guests will enjoy a one-hour guided tour to go behind the scenes with a Budweiser Clydesdale handler, learn about their unique horses, the breed, their special training, state-of-the-art transportation and more. The VIP Experience also includes a tour of the N.O.P.D. stables, and a K9 police dog demonstration. Each guest will receive a VIP gift bag filled with gift items from event sponsors. Purchase VIP Experience tickets at www.horseshopsandcops.com.   

Although it is free for everyone to attend the general admission event starting at 5:00pm, proceeds raised from sponsorships, concession sales, raffle tickets, VIP experience tickets, photo sales and other donations will support the N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit. The N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit is a vital resource in helping deter criminal activity in the City of New Orleans, especially its hospitality district. 

“The Mounted Unit is a pivotal tool in the New Orleans Police Department’s toolbox, especially during large scale events such as Mardi Gras,” NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. “The unit provides high-visibility patrol and plays an important role in our crime-fighting efforts. Horses, Hops and Cops is an important event that ensures we are able to continue providing the best care for our horses and best protection for our citizens.” 

Visit http://www.horseshopsandcops.com for more information and additional announcements. 

Parking 

Attendees of the event are recommended to park in the adjacent areas of City Park noted by stars on the map.  The New Orleans Police Department will operate a free shuttle bus service during event operating hours to assist with guest pickup and drop off throughout these immediate areas. Additional security will also be present.  Please follow all New Orleans City Park and City of New Orleans policies regarding parking.

Local partners who are helping to make this event successful include Southern Eagle Sales and Service, Joe and Sue Ellen Canizaro, Event Producers, Diamonds Direct, JenCare Senior Medical Center, Katie’s Restaurant, Krewe of Bacchus, Krewe of Nefertiti, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, AmeriPrint, Coca-Cola United, Fess Inc., Pat Farrell, Sunbelt Rentals, Caire Hotel & Restaurant Supply, Francesca Deli by Katie’s, Nora Vaden Holmes Insurance Agency, Oceana Grill, T.A. Dowd Brokerage, SHK Consulting, Versatile Entertainment.