The WC Bartenders Ball a Roaring Good Time-A Guest's Perspective

WC Bartenders Ball a “Roaring” Good Time

The WC Press always throws a fabulous party, but this year’s WC Bartenders Ball raised the um…bar even higher. With a spirited “Roaring Twenties” theme, West Chester’s locals showed up in glamorous speakeasy style. Although I decided—perhaps brazenly—to make my own flapper dress, many in attendance rocked gorgeous vintage looks sourced from Malena’s Boutique on Gay Street.

I was SO EXCITED when I saw the first band of the evening setting up. The guitar player was plugging in a pink paisley 1968 Fender strat, the likes of which I’ve only ever seen one other time, and it’s because I own one too. My eyes almost popped out of my head when he then started tuning up a matching telecaster. This wasn’t just any local band: This was hometown favorite The Donny Syracuse band, and later I would find out that Donny Syracuse, in addition to owning Vudu Lounge, boasts a glam rock pedigree including stints with Arcade, Ratt, and Cinderella. They kicked off the evening with a thick groove of classic rock and blues.

My group enjoyed a first round of vodka sours, supplemented by shots of the new Jim Beam Apple whiskey circulating the room.

The food was all fabulous, but my heart belonged to Landmark’s roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. Limoncello’s pasta in vodka blush sauce was a close second.

And let’s not forget about the desserts from Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, including her signature dense, sweet cake pops. (Note: If there are any leftover red velvet pops, feel free to drop them off at my office.)

A fun addition to this year’s Ball was the casino room, which was packed the entire night. My friend Kyle ruled the craps table. If you’re wondering why you didn’t win one of the many raffle prizes donated by local businesses, it’s probably because Kyle won them all. Well, four of them.

Behind Deadlines took the stage later in the evening with so much exuberance even the sleepy and the tipsy attendees took to the dance floor. Their last set closed out the night, as partygoers revved up for the after party at Saloon 151.