Wine, Eats, & Easels

Every once in a blue moon, I like to venture outside my comfort zone, especially when it's for a great cause.  This past week I packed a bottle of water and my passport and traveled out to the Broken Arrow Farmers Market for the annual Wine, Eats, & Easels benefit.  Wine, Arts, & Easels benefits Broken Arrow Neighbors (BAN), a local agency helping those in need by "nourishing the body with food and the spirit with dignity and respect".  This annual event began several years ago as a way for Sonny Kinion to honor his mother, Ruby.  BAN was her favorite charity and he felt this would be an appropriate way to carry on her memory.

This event has become one of the most attended and applauded social events of the year and this year was no exception, even with the chilly weather.  The crowd was large and festive and it was a such a delight to mingle with people who enjoy coming together for a great cause.  Patrons sampled wine and cocktails from local businesses and there was a Wine & Pearl Pull for the first 100 patrons.  For a small donation, guests could select a concealed bottle of wine and also receive a string of pearls, courtesy of J. David Jewelry. 

The "eats" offered this year were delectable.  Participating vendors included Main Street Tavern, Oklahoma Joes' BBQ, Ted's Cafe Escondido, The Ridge Grill, and Bone Fish Grill, just to name a few.  By the way, the bang-bang shrimp being offered by Bone Fish Grill was so delectable, I went back for seconds.  As patrons sampled wine and eats, they had the opportunity to stroll through the exhibits featuring local artists and listen to the musical stylings of Grady Nichols.  And let me say - there are some amazingly talented people in this state.

The "Living Statues" were a big draw and some considered to be a personal challenge.  Two men were painted up to look like bronze statues and they were more than believable.  They never blinked (that I saw) and they could hold a pose for hours!

      Another big draw was the world famous Original Butt Sketch artist.  If you haven't seen this in person, you are missing out.  A professional butt-sketch artist draws you from the backside, each sketch taking approximately 2 minutes.  It's unbelievable and so life-like.  I know it sounds weird but it's amazing and fun and so entertaining.  Again, if you have the opportunity to participate in this - don't miss out.  Get up there and strike a pose!!

All in all, the whole evening was wonderful - from the food to the drink to the entertainment to the people.  I can't wait for next years benefit and many, many thanks to Sonny for being such a gracious host.