Bloody Mary Fest
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In the newly renovated Everts Park (111 North Ave)
CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD HOSTS 11TH ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST
FEATURING ‘BEST BLOODY MARY’ COMPETITION
Food, live music, family, friends and a bloody good time!
After a year off, Highwood’s 11th Annual Bloody Mary Fest is back and better than ever. Vendors from near and far shake up their unique concoctions in competition for the title of ‘Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest’.
Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants will have the opportunity to share their one-of-a-kind recipes with the public while attempting to create the ultimate Bloody Mary. The competition includes a ‘People’s Choice Award,’ as well as formal judging on the ‘Best Bloody Mary’, ‘Best Garnish’ and ‘Most Creative’ by iconic Chicago Cub, Ryne Sandberg, joined by some of Chicago’s leading media personalities, including: Patrick Regan, Editorial Director for Better Magazine/Media Group, Cheryl Leahy, National Lifestyle TV Expert, Elizabeth Jacobellis, of NS Modern Luxury/Media Group, Mike Stark, Publisher of Highland Park Neighbors Magazine, and Lindsay Kempski, Area Manager of event sponsor, Hangar® 1 Vodka. Contestants will be evaluated on taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.
Attendees will enjoy Bloody Mary’s from over a dozen different vendors and a selection of craft beer from local Ravinia Brewing Co., as well as plenty of food, drink, artisan vendors, and live entertainment by singer/songwriter, Matt Feddermann from 10-11:30AM, rock and roll by Nico & Raz from KHEMIKAL from 11:45AM-1:45PM and high-energy country/rock band Davidson County Band from 2-5PM.
For those that may not be Bloody Mary fans don’t fret, the Fest will also offer plenty of activities and other beverages for attendees of all ages. Making it easily accessible, Highwood is a stop on the Union Pacific North Metra line and is only a short walk to the Fest grounds at Evert’s Park.
“Highwood's Annual Bloody Mary Fest brings the entire community together and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Chicagoland, including Wisconsin and Indiana," says Brad Slavin, President of Celebrate Highwood and Highwood Alderman. “We love tasting all the amazing flavors and seeing the elaborate garnishes people come up with. It truly is a must see event.”
Battle for the Best Bloody Mary
The battle for the Best Bloody Mary starts at 2 p.m. when the judges will evaluate each contestant’s take on the classic drink. People’s Choice ballots can be cast in front of the judges stage until 4 p.m., and winners of both the Judge’s and People’s Choice will be announced at 4:30 p.m. The winners of Bloody Mary Fest will be rewarded with a trophy, mass recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the entire year!
Returning to defend their titles amongst determined competitors will be Toadstool Pub, who will be receiving a lifetime achievement award in recognition of their 10-year run as People’s Choice winner.