Mix your best Bloody Mary for annual fest
Highwood's Bloody Mary Fest is coming back with a bang.
In its sixth year, the festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave. Vendors from near and far will shake up their special recipes and compete for the title of "Best Bloody Mary in the Midwest."
"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," said 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 on the categories of taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.
The battle for the Best Bloody Mary will begin at 2 p.m. The winners of both the judged and people's choice awards will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Bloody Mary Fest is sponsored by Miss Mary's Morning Elixir and Van Gogh Vodka, which will provide each competitor with a bottle of Van Gogh Blue to concoct their creation.
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 food and drinks, a beer truck, and live entertainment by Zydeco Voodoo Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Project Two Music from 2-5 p.m.
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 and 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," said 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 festivalgoers about the program. There will 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 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," said Daniel Falcon, owner of Jordan's Corner.
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 the artisan goods from market vendors, live entertainment, and food and drinks.
For more information on Bloody Mary, visit celebratehighwood.com/bloodymary/ or call (847) 432-6000.
For details about Jordan's Corner, visit www.jordanscorner.org/page/jc-home, email info@falconboxinggym.com or call (847) 998-1760.