Grapes and Ale 2016 Recap

Summer always goes by way too fast but this one seems like it's flying by even faster than normal! There's been so many cool things happening, I don't know where to start! We bought another house and are moving, the Cleveland Cavaliers finally broke the Cleveland Curse, the newly renovated Public Square was unveiled and the RNC is coming to town any day now.

Thanks to the RNC, one of my very favorite events was moved up a month. Our Lady of the Wayside's Grapes and Ale is held at Progressive Field which is right in the midst of all the craziness, so instead of being in June, it was held in May this year. The temps were cooler than normal but the party was as hot as ever. I can't believe it's taken me this long to tell you about it!

Our Lady of the Wayside really knows how to throw a party! Every year this event gets better. Once I get there, I never want to leave! They raised $100,000 at the event this year and a record 1,700 people attended.

The unofficial theme of this year's event seemed to be pulled pork - almost every food offering had it in it. Thankfully I love pulled pork, but I wish they would show off more creativity when it comes to BBQ for this event. 

This was my favorite bite - Crooked River BBQ's delicious pulled pork tacos with grilled pineapple salsa and garlic lime aioli.

Most creative went to Agostino's - their Carnitas Cones (pulled pork topped with mashed potatoes in a wonton cone) were super cute and tasty too.

Melt added the ubiquitous pulled pork to a grilled cheese and it was damn good.

Hodges had pulled pork nachos

We were pleasantly surprised that Happy Dog didn't add pulled pork to their dogs:

And loved the cupcake assortment from Cupcake Cravings:

The VIP area had great seating, additional food items and everyone got a selfie stick to help capture the fun they were having.

The band was rockin' and everyone was dancing...

As always, it was a fun filled night under the stars at Progressive Field. Can't wait until next year! 

You can donate to Our Lady of the Wayside here.

** Disclosure: I was given two VIP tickets and two general admission tickets for a giveaway in exchange for helping promote the event. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

The photo of Slider and the one of us is from Our Lady of the Wayside's Facebook page. **