Bloody Mary Fest is the right mix
The Highwood Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of the sixth annual Bloody Mary Fest, which took place Sunday, July 26.
With more than 4,000 guests in attendance, the event raised $1,262.65 for Jordan's Corner, and featured 12 competitors from throughout the Midwest who competed for the title of "Best Bloody Mary."
• Judge's Choice: Miss Mary's Morning Elixir from Prescott, Wisconsin, Bloody Mary Fest sponsor and first time participant, took first place in the Judge's Choice, followed by Highwood's The ToadStool Pub and Chicago's Vintage Vine in third.
• People's Choice: First place went to The Toadstool Pub, followed by Miss Mary's Morning Elixir and first time participant from Eden, Wisconsin, Forest Floor Foods in third.
• Best Garnish: Miss Mary's Morning Elixir swept the competition, coming in first for best garnish, followed by Highland Park's La Casa de Isaac and The Toadstool Pub in third.
The daylong festival kicked off at 10 a.m. with all competitors ready to concoct Bloody Marys and vendors ready to serve food. The day benefitted Jordan's Corner, a not-for-profit organization that aims to positively affect special needs children through a set of health and wellness activities.
In its sixth year, the Bloody Mary Fest was packed with people of all ages. Bloody Mary enthusiasts were able to buy full and sample size Bloody Mary drinks, as well as a variety of food and beers. Live music by Zydeco Voodoo and Project Two Music played all day as judges sampled Bloody Marys from each competing vendor.
The Bloody Mary judging panel was composed of Lee A. Litas, "Lee's Social Studies" columnist for the Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press; Marjie Killeen, "Sex & the Suburbs" columnist for Make It Better Magazine; Patti Vasquez, WGN Radio host and nationally touring comedian; Laura Hine, editor-in-chief, Modern Luxury Magazine; Christa Rooks, editor of the Highland Park Landmark; Chuck Weisberg, Van Gogh Vodka; and Eric Falberg, Highwood alderman and founder of Bloody Mary Fest.
Contestants were evaluated in the categories of taste, presentation, spice, color, texture and garnish.
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