HIGHWOOD CHAMBER HOSTS SIXTH ANNUAL BLOODY MARY FEST INCLUDING COMPETITION FOR TITLE OF BEST BLOODY MARY
Highwood's popular Bloody Mary Fest is coming back with a bang! In it's sixth year, the festival will take place on Sunday, July 26th from 10am-5pm in Everts Park (130 Highwood Ave). Festival-goers can sample a selection of the ever-popular Bloody Mary. Vendors from near and far will shake up their special recipes and compete for the title of "Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest." The day will benefit Jordan's Corner, a not for profit organization that aims to positively affect special needs children through boxing and other fitness classes.
"Highwood's Bloody Mary Fest allows people to showcase their creative side when it comes to the amazing flavors and elaborate garnishes they come up with for their Bloody Marys!! Truly spectacular and delicious," says Jennifer Zanotti-Ori, president of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce.
Mixologists from leading bars and restaurants will have the chance to share their unique recipes with the public while competing to create the "Best Bloody Mary." The competition includes a 'People's Choice Award,' as well as formal judging by some of Chicago's media personalities, including Lee A. Litas, "Lee's Social Studies" columnist for Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press, Marjie Killeen. "Sex & the Suburbs" columnist for Make It Better Magazine, Melissa Forman, TV host, WCIU's You & Me This Morning, Laura Hine, Editor-in-Chief, NS Modern Luxury Magazine, Jamie Bradley, editor of the Highland Park Landmark, and Chuck Weisberg, Van Gogh Vodka. Contestants will be evaluated on the categories of taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.
The battle for the Best Bloody Mary will begin at 2pm on Sunday, July 26th, as the judges taste each contestant's take on the classic drink. The winners of both the judged and people's choice will be announced at 4:30pm. Bloody Mary Fest is sponsored by Miss Mary's Morning Elixir and Van Gogh Vodka, who will provide each competitor with a bottle of Van Gogh Blue to concoct their creation. The winners of Bloody Mary Fest will be rewarded with a trophy, recognition throughout the local media, and bragging rights for the whole year!
Reigning 2014 Bloody Mary Champion, The Toadstool Pub, will be back for the 2015 fest and will be competing against more than a dozen different bars and restaurants including Forest Floors Foods, La Casa de Isaac, Finest Call-American Beverage Marketers, Vintage Vine Bloody Mary Mix, Wicked Bloody Mary Mix, Tap House Grill, Alex's Washington Gardens and of course Bloody Mary fest sponsor, Miss Mary's Morning Elixir!
Bloody Mary Fest attendees will enjoy plenty of food and drinks, a beer truck, and live entertainment by Zydeco Voodoo Band (11-1pm) and Project Two Music (2-5pm).
The event is to raise awareness for Jordan's Corner, a fitness and boxing organization that works with children and teenagers with special needs. The mission is to positively influence children through boxing and fitness classes that promote health and wellness. Through a set schedule of consistent activities, as well as adult and peer interaction and socialization, the program reinforces positivity through affirmations and mantras.
"Jordan's Corner is an amazing local program that gives children with special needs a unique outlet for focus, health & wellness and socialization through boxing and fitness training. It's such a wonderful program that is offered free to kids between the ages of 7-16, with the help of many local high school volunteers. It is truly a great foundation that is close to my heart," says Zanotti-Ori, who is also on the Board of Jordan's Corner
Jordan's Corner will be at Bloody Mary Fest with boxing/padwork demonstrations, as well as volunteers on site informing festival-goers about the program. There will also be a suggested $2 donation at the gate to benefit Jordan's Corner, as well as clothing and other items for sale. The funds raised during Bloody Mary Fest will allow Jordan's Corner to continue to offer classes for free, as well as expand classes to other locations. Due to the positive results witnessed since opening in 2011, the organization is working on offering classes to adults as well. "We are truly grateful for all the support," says Daniel Falcon, owner of Jordan's Corner.
Thousands of people come from all over the Chicago-land area and as far as Wisconsin and Indiana to participate in the fest as competitors or attendees. 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, the Fest will offer plenty of activities for attendees of all ages, from bouncy houses and an obstacle course to exploring the artisan goods from market vendors, enjoying live entertainment, and fabulous food and drinks.
For more information on Bloody Mary Fest or to get an application form for the Bloody Mary competition please visit http://celebratehighwood.com/bloodymary/ or call 847.432.6000.
ABOUT JORDAN'S CORNER
The Jordan's Corner Mission is to positively affect special needs children through boxing and fitness classes that promote health and wellness, consistency through a set schedule of activities, following directions, adult and peer interaction and socialization, and positivity through affirmations and mantras. President, Daniel Falcon, was inspired to open Jordan's corner by his brother, Jordan Falcon.
For more information about the organization or ways to get involved, visit http://www.jordanscorner.org/page/jc-home, email info