Event Recap: 49th Annual World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest At Cotton ‘Q Club

By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | March 8, 2023 | Parties,

It’s Rodeo time in Houston and Cotton Holdings, Inc. has kicked off the season as a Title Sponsor of the 49th Annual World’s Championship Bar-B-Que contest (or, some could say, “cook-off”), along with a renovated Cotton ‘Q Club and new “Gold Pony” VIP lounge. Cotton Holdings, Inc. is no stranger to the city, working as a leading disaster and infrastructure support services company that provides property restoration and recovery, construction, consulting and so much more—not to mention that they have been participating in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest for almost a decade.

Over 650 guests joined Cotton Holdings and Quanta Services in the Cotton 'Q Club on Thursday, February 23

Over 650 guests threw on their best cowboy boots and hats and headed to the 10,292-square-foot Cotton ‘Q Club to celebrate the event. Inside, the cedar-framed “tent” was adorned in navy paneling with antler and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, with an array of rustic cowboy-meets-couture design details completing the space. (Think seven-foot-tall mosaic horses draped with blankets of red roses by Flora & Eventi, antique mirrors, saddles, mounted taxidermy straight from Cotton Holdings CEO Pete Bell’s ranch home and much, much more.)

Moving further into the scene—and through a discreet hallway behind the main stage—guests were introduced to the first-ever “Gold Pony” lounge fit for 50 VIP guests. Marked by a large neon “Stay Golden” sign, the lounge showcased plush lounge seating, disco ball accents, a seven-foot-tall gold pony draped in white roses and a large display wall with all Cotton ‘Q Club partners.

Teressa Foglia hats, a Cotton 'Q Club partner, on display in the new "Gold Pony" VIP room

Local country band Cooper Wade started off the night performing their hit songs, before Cotton Holdings CEO Pete Bell and Quanta Services CEO Duke Austin took the stage to announce Cole Swindell as the GRAMMY nominated artist for the evening. Guests munched on a full barbecue feast provided by Cotton Culinary and executive chef Wade Schindler. On the menu? Appetizers included fried oysters with remoulade, Figgy Piggy and Sticky Icky quail bites, while the main course featured a carving station with RC Ranch ribeyes and Breggy Bomb El Jefe, white cheddar lobster mac-n-cheese, twice baked potato casserole, colorful roasted root vegetables and green beans, with, of course, freshly baked rolls. Oh, and we can’t forget the signature bread pudding with Jack Daniels cream sauce for dessert. Talk about delicious!

Sanette Austin, Michelle Brady, Stacey White, Chasity Spiller