Mint anyone? Garlic Fest returns to Highwood Aug. 15

The eighth annual Garlic Fest comes to Highwood from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, in Everts Park, 130 Highwood Ave. Held in conjunction with Highwood's Evening Gourmet Market, the fest showcases the ever-popular taste (and scent) of garlic, as well as live music and family-friendly activities.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample various garlic creations from the classic, savory options such as pasta, sandwiches, sauces, and spreads, to out-of-the-ordinary garlic-infused dishes such as candy, pastries and cocktails. Patrons will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sweet and savory garlic creations in the People's Choice Competition.

Don't worry: there will be plenty of mints on hand.

Celebrate Highwood is calling for contestants to be crowned the next Royal Garlic Representatives. Interested Garlic Princes or Princesses (ages 6 to 17 years), and Garlic Kings and Queens (over 18 years) can sign up at www.celebratehighwood.org.

Each contestant will be given the opportunity for free coaching by professionals from The Performer's School when they visit their tent at the Highwood Gourmet Evening Market on Aug. 15.

Contestants will then have up to one minute on stage during Garlic Fest to explain why they should be Highwood's next Royal Garlic Representative. Winners will be determined by judges from The Performer's School for speech, appearance and audience applause. The winner will receive a royal crown and be responsible for making a number of appearances at Highwood events and potential media appearances.

As part of the festivities, the Highwood Historical Society is hosting its 11th annual Terrific Tomato Contest and inviting all residents of Highwood and members of the Historical Society to submit their top tomato for a chance of winning the title of "Most Terrific Tomato in Town" and a cash prize of $100. The tomatoes will be weighed, calibrated and judged at the festival, and voted on by the public for People's Choice.

Sponsors include ballot sponsor Highland Park Bank & Trust/Bank of Fort Sheridan and Garlic Fest sponsor Passanantes Home Food Service.

For information on Garlic Fest, visit www.celebratehighwood.org/project/garlic-fest, follow Celebrate Highwood on Facebook, or call (847) 432-6000.

For information on Highwood Historical Society's Terrific Tomato Contest email highwoodhistory@gmail.com, or call (847) 682-9039.