Approaching nearly a decade of participation in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s signature events, Cotton Holdings knew it had to turn up the heat in 2023. We’re passionate about serving our community, and the Rodeo’s commitment to supporting education through scholarships, program grants and more is making a significant difference in the lives of Texas youth.

Beyond serving as the Title Sponsor of the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest (WCBBQC) for the second year in a row, the Cotton Companies pulled out all the stops and joined in on the fun of all the Rodeo Houston events, helping them raise money for students across the state.

Cooking Up Magic at the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition

At the start of the festivities, the Cotton Culinary team brought their creative vision to life at the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup & Best Bites Competition. Their signature dish, The Cotton Pearl, consisted of Wagyu beef on toasted brioche with sweet potato hay and a side of cotton candy topped with demi pearls and gold dust. And sure enough, this delightful combination of savory and sweet enchanted attendees and earned the most votes among the dozens of participating dishes to receive the People’s Choice Award. Our team was truly honored to take this award home for a second year in a row.

Partying the Night Away at the Cotton ‘Q Club & Gold Pony

From there, the Cotton team got to work setting up the Cotton ‘Q Club, our 10,292-square-foot space at the WCBBQC. From plush tartan carpet to a tufted bar and crystal chandeliers, we spared no extravagance for our guests. Adding to the elegance, VIPs gained access to an exclusive speakeasy, the Gold Pony, which featured signature drinks and appetizers.

Knowing we wanted to offer our guests the best of the best, we partnered with Breggy Bomb Foods to create mouthwatering BBQ with their sauces and rubs, Casa Del Sol Tequila and Dripping Springs Vodka to mix up thirst-quenching drinks and Teressa Foglia to develop bespoke hats for our team members.

Throughout the weekend, the Cotton ‘Q Club stage was graced with acts including Cooper Wade, Grammy-nominated Cole Swindell, Matt Moeller, Aaron Watson, Hayden Baker and The Bellamy Brothers, and the dance floor was crowded with people having the time of their lives.

If you missed us at the WCBBQC, you can still check out the Cotton ‘Q Club and Gold Pony through media coverage from KPRC 2 Click2Houston and Fox 26 Houston, or browse through the photos below.