SEWE: Cocktails and Conservation 2025

During the 2025 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Garden & Gun hosted guests at the magazine’s Cigar Factory headquarters for two conversations. On Saturday, G&G editor in chief David DiBenedetto spoke with artist and fisherman Paul Puckett. On Sunday, Ducks Unlimited chief conservation officer Karen Waldrop joined G&G contributing editor T. Edward Nickens.

Throughout the event, attendees sampled culinary offerings in the Sevierville Lounge from Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, enjoyed Shine Girl cocktails, and browsed the Fieldshop by Garden & Gun pop-up.

Thank you to our partners:
SEWE
Visit Sevierville

February 20, 2025

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Guests arrive at G&G headquarters.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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Donica O’Leary and Angela and Richard Jones.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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The Smoky Mountain Songbird and Volunteer’s Garden cocktails, featuring Shine Girl spirits.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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Danielle Parton, founder of Shine Girl.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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Paul Puckett’s notebook of sketches and notes.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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Southern-fried chicken wings prepared by Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant served in the Sevierville Lounge.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker

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From left: Jana Robinson, president and owner of Robinson Media LLC with Tony Funderberg and Ashli Arden, Visit Sevierville’s director of sales & advertising and project manager, respectively.

Photo: Samantha Jean Becker