8th Annual Bloody Mary Fest Arrives In Highwood

HIGHWOOD, IL – Highwood’s 8th Annual Bloody Mary Fest is back and better than ever! Now in its eighth year, the fest will take place on Sunday, July 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in Everts Park (130 Highwood Ave). Vendors from near and far will travel to Highwood to shake up their unique recipes in competition for the title of ‘Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest’.

At this extraordinary event, 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’ and ‘Best Garnish’ by some of Chicago’s leading media personalities, including: Julie Chernoff, Dining Editor at Make it Better, Lee Litas, Columnist for Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press, Andrew Nicks, President at 22nd Century Media, and Sherry Thomas, Group Editor at JWC Media. Contestants will be evaluated on taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.

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. Winners of both the Judge’s and People’s Choice will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Bloody Mary Fest is sponsored by Master of Mixes and Van Gogh Vodka who will provide a bottle of Van Gogh Vodka to each competitor to concoct their creation. 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!

2016 People’s Choice winner Toadstool Pub, and reigning title holder for 5-years running, will be back competing amongst many other determined competitors and attempt to hold on to their well-deserved title.

Bloody Mary Fest attendees will enjoy plenty of food, drink, live entertainment by various artists and a selection of craft beer from local Kings and Convicts brewery that brews ales and pilsners with hops and malts from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and England.

“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 Eric Falberg, President of Celebrate Highwood and Bloody Mary Fest Judge. “We love tasting all the amazing flavors and seeing the elaborate garnishes people come up with. It truly is a must see event.”

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. For those that may not be Bloody Mary fans, don’t you fret, the Fest will also offer plenty of activities and other beverages for attendees of all ages.

» via Celebrate Highwood