Scenes from the Cows ‘n Cabs 10th Anniversary Event
Jim Carchidi
Cows 'n Cabs returned to Winter Park with more partners and partiers for its 10-year celebration. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
Cows ‘n Cabs returned to Central Park West Meadow on Saturday, Nov. 12, with a celebration that was 10 years in the making.
The country and western-themed “party with a purpose” enjoyed its largest turnout with offerings from 39 restaurants and 76 beverage companies. Expectations of a record-breaking attendance of 3,000 seemed to be met with constant activity and minimal elbow room in two event tents and several outdoor bars and serving stations.
Guests make their way though the entry queue at the start of Cows ‘n Cabs’ 10th Anniversary event.Standing room was at a premium inside the event tent that housed the main stage.
Charity is the focus of the festivities with this year’s funds benefitting After-School All-Stars Orlando and 4 Roots. But a byproduct of the massive gathering of industry professionals is a lesson in marketing and branding.
“They always come with different swag items and bar setups,” Dave Larue, Cows ‘n Cabs co-founder and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits vice president of sales, told the32789. “It’s a competition for them, and it’s just awesome to watch because each year they bring stuff that even wows me, and I see this stuff all the time.”
A vintage pickup truck and plant wall selfie spot await the arriving guests at the Don Julio tequila serving station.
From a holiday-themed cantina by Tito’s Handmade Vodka to the custom-fit cowboy hat giveaway at the Fistful of Bourbon stand, patrons had plenty to experience and reason to wonder what next year’s event will bring.
See the photo gallery for look inside the 2022 Cows ‘n Cabs event.
4 Rivers pitmasters spent most of the day preparing a whole cow for the steak asada that would be offered at the company’s serving station.The staff at Hunger Street Tacos in prep mode as guests enter the event grounds.Peterbrooke Chocolatier featured truffles made in partnership with Belle Isle-based Petal Honey.The Salty Donut offered classic glazed and chocolate donuts, along with a brisket-filled creation made in partnership with 4 Rivers BBQ.Bartenders saw little down time at the Holiday Cantina by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.Dylana Hopler, Sarah Tomlinson and Amy Favero pose with Santa at Tito’s Holiday Cantina.Fistful of Bourbon offered a limited number of cowboy hats that were steamed and shaped for a fit that was customized for each guest.Bacardi helped guests share their experiences with a selfie station.Vanessa and Anthony Moser show off their western wear.Vicky Landau, Mark Sperling, Caitlin Yarbrough, Jason and Sarah Korenblit (aka MS Challah Mama), Lizzie Cleary, Aly Sterling, and Nicole and Eric Swartz share a table in the main event tent.Christopher Purdy and Faye Albanna enjoy the weather at an outdoor table.Orlando Magic broadcaster and former player Jeff Turner with Kerri Dryden, Carson Constable, Orlando City President at Fifth Third Bank Greg Dryden, and Dee Turner.Cholo Dogs featured their El Borracho: a hotdog made with Mexican street corn and cotija cheese.Swine & Sons offered smoked beef skewers with peptia hummus.Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen prepared Nashville-style fried grouper sliders.Even the Space 2020 Restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Epcot had a Cows ‘n Cabs station.Space 2020 featured a coffee-rubbed, braised short rib slider on a toasted charcoal bun.Griffin Sinclair performs a set on the main stage.Brandon Bing plays the outdoor stage.Jill’s Cashbox headlines the main stage.
